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Steven “Steve” Ronald Litwer, Age: 71

Steven Ronald Litwer—“Steve”—was born December 19, 1952 in the Bronx Naval Hospital, Bronx, NY to Nathan Litwer and Evelyn Litwer (née Berkowitz). On June 12, 2024, at the age of 71, Steve passed peacefully at his home in Overland Park, KS. He had only received his diagnosis of Stage Four kidney cancer six months prior to his death.

 

Steve was a force of nature. His energy, creativity, enthusiasm, and sense of humor inspired many in his successful career in radio, television, and cable advertising sales. His first love was a guitar…many guitars over the years. He liked the saying “Love one woman…many guitars.” Steve had an entrepreneurial spirit. When he was 16, he did the classic Boomer thing of starting a garage band. In his forties, he attended guitar camps to learn delta blues, and finger style guitar. He shared his gift with family, colleagues and friends. Steve spent the last seven years playing guitar for hospice patients. This experience inspired him to write a book about  the healing gifts he received from playing for people who could not heal. “The Music Between Us: Memoir of a Bedside Musician” is a story of love, loss, and life-long healing that is both highly personal and surprisingly universal.

 

He craved a family, and together, we created one through adoption of two beautiful bi-racial girls. Of all the things he accomplished in life, he was most proud of his two daughters and four grandkids.

 

His daughters’ tributes to him express much of his soul:

“My dad was an incredible force. He was full of love and laughter, wisdom and wise-ass, quiet courage and not-so-quiet intensity. He was my biggest cheerleader and he shaped who I am today. We lost him on June 12th. He was such a big personality - he filled the room - and his presence will be missed by so many. I am lucky to have called him Dad.”

-Ariel Litwer Schauman

~~~

 

“It is with a heavy aching heart that I share that for the first Father’s Day in 36 years, we only had my dad in spirit. He crossed over into heaven on June 12th. My dad was everything to our family. Together he and my mom provided my sister and me with a very special childhood, full of laughs, memories and family adventures. I cannot recall one day in the last 36 years where I ever doubted my dad ‘s love for me. I knew he was there no matter what. He was there for us all. He was the ultimate grandpa to my kids. They were joy and light in his life and he in theirs. He was so much to so many. He had a magnetic personality and will be deeply deeply missed by all who knew him. Thank you Dad, for everything you gave me. I love you very much always.”

-Stephanie Litwer Allen

 ~~~

 

Steve is survived by his wife of forty years, Cynthia, his daughters: Stephanie (husband Terrance) and Ariel (husband Anthony), four grandchildren, Elijah, Gabby, Teegan (Stephanie), and Ellis (Ariel), two brothers: Mitchell (wife Diantha), their children Laura and Gabe, and Stuart (wife Debbie), their children Justin and Kady (husband Stephen) and great-nephew Austin.

 

A Celebration of Life service for Steve will be held on July 13, 2024 at 10:30 am at Christ Church Anglican, 5500 91st St. (91st and Nall), Overland Park, KS 66207 He will be interred in the columbarium garden at Christ Church. Attire is comfortable, colorful, and casual, Steve’s favorite combination.

 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to YOUR favorite charity. Let us know what you choose so we can keep them also in our hearts.
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Additional Service:
Celebration of Life
Location:
Christ Church Anglican
Address:
5500 91st St.
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66207
Date of Service:
Jul 13, 2024
Time of Service:
10:30 AM
Additional Information:

A Celebration of Life service for Steve will be held on July 13, 2024 at 10:30 am at Christ Church Anglican, 5500 91st St. (91st and Nall), Overland Park, KS 66207 He will be interred in the columbarium garden at Christ Church. Attire is comfortable, colorful, and casual, Steve’s favorite combination.
Google Map:
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Condolences

Jon Goodman Jun 21, 2024

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

A sad loss of a singularly notable person. We go way back to the days of Washington Street and Sunday touch football. And, of course, we were both involved with broadcasting. Steve leaves an impressive legacy of a life well-lived, alas not nearly long enough. The stories in his book touch the heart and his friendships have touched many lives.

Judit N Christopher Jun 22, 2024

Friend ,Louisville ,Kentucky

John and I met Steve and Cynthia on a vacation in Mexico. Stephanie, his daughter, is correct, Steve had a magnetic personality. He immediately drew us in and we came to think of them as good friends. I read his book once we got home from Mexico and was even more impressed with him. The world has certainly lost a kind, sensitive, wise and humorous man. I am forever changed by his wisdom and empathy.

John Gutbrod Jun 27, 2024

Friend and colleague ,Hilliard ,Ohio

I'm shocked and dismayed to hearing of Steve's passing. We worked together for TCI cable in the late 90's. He was a mentor and an indispensable resource as we rebuilt the ad sales operation in St. Louis. Always accommodating and very positive Steve was an inspiration and a rock in our competitive world. We first crossed paths in the radio business when Steve was in Memphis. I was very fortunate to reconnect with Steve in the cable business. To Cynthia, his children and grandchildren our deepest condolences on the loss of a very special man.

David Rine Jul 01, 2024

Good longtime friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

Steve was a great longtime friend of mine during and after our Christ Church Anglican days. He was a beautiful, gifted, artistic, compassionate musician in so many ways. We chatted a lot up until recently when he was unable to do so anymore. I am really going to miss my friend Steve. Dave Rine CCA

Gretchen Goodwin Aug 15, 2024

He volunteered for our hospice. Ascend hospice ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I am so sorry for your loss! I only knew Steve a short time as he volunteered for Ascend Hospice. I enjoyed our chats as working for hospice was new to me. What an amazing giving man he was. I'm sure all the souls of the people he helped at the end of their lives, ushered him straight to heaven.

Debby Nichols Nov 10, 2024

friend from the past ,Memphis ,Tennessee

So many years have passed, but still remembered in my heart as if it was yesterday. The other day I was sharing a story with a friend about "Steve and Cindy" coming to my parents on Christmas Day and sharing their musical gifts with my family and how special it was. I asked my friend if she knew Steve who was in radio in Memphis and she googled him and sent me his obituary. I am sad for his loss, but wanted everyone to know what a huge footprint he left on my heart. I remember yesterday the excitement he and Cindy shared when they adopted Ariel and Stephanie and have no doubt he would be an amazing father. I saw early on he had a heart of giving and love how he shared his gifts in hospice. I cannot wait to read his book and know his legacy of his children and grandchildren will share his gifts and memories for many generations. From my heart I send the deepest love and condolence to Cindy, Ariel, Stephanie and all family members, Deb Nichols

Carolyn Craft Nov 10, 2024

Friend ,Durham ,North Carolina

Dearest Cindy and family, I was so sad to learn of Steve’s passing today. I have often wondered about you, Steve and your girls and have over the years, enjoyed looking at photographs of times spent with you. From his obituary, I see how very much he was loved and loved, and what a beautiful life he lived. Know that I carry you and your family in my heart of hearts, always treasuring times spent with you and Steve.