Stephen Mark Totleben

On July 6, Stephen Mark Totleben, aged 58, of Erie, PA, passed away peacefully at home, with his beloved wife Lisa and his pets, Dexter and the Lillys, reassuringly near.

Stephen was born in Erie, PA on Dec. 11, 1964, to Edmund Dante Totleben and Jean (Dietz) Totleben, who pre-deceased him.  He graduated in 1983 from Technical Memorial High School. After school, he worked at numerous places over the years, including Toys R Us, where he met his wife, Lisa. He also worked at International Paper, Sunburst Electronics, and Airborn Industries, from where he recently retired. 

Movies, theater, and film were Steve’s first love since childhood. Siblings remember how Steve would play “drive-in” and line his toy cars in front of a homemade movie screen. Later, he would film home movies and is responsible for the many precious family images we will continue to enjoy for years to come. As an adult, he hosted indoor and outdoor theater spaces that entertained him, his family, friends, and neighbors. Thanks to Steve, everyone enjoyed many summer nights outside with surround sound, food, and fun.

Steve’s best and truest love was his wife Lisa, whom he married on September 1, 2000. Together, they loved each other through a lifetime’s worth of trials and tragedies and joys and beauty. Just this past March, they traveled on a very special trip to Hawaii while Steve was well enough to enjoy it.

Steve was generous and kind. He loved a good laugh, a good movie, spending time with Lisa, and with his extended family, especially on holidays. He was a quiet, thoughtful Christian man, and his faith comforted him, especially during his illness.

Steve is survived by his loving wife Lisa, and by a precious daughter of the heart, Megan. He is also survived by his siblings John Totleben (Michelle), Ed Totleben Jr. (Tammy), Michelle Bessetti (Brian) all of Erie, PA, and Sandra Clute (Clarence) of Westfield, NY, sisters-in-law Angelina Yeager (Stacy) and Allison Piano (Charles III) of Erie, PA, father-in-law Jerry Cecchi of Kittaning, PA, and many beloved nieces and nephews who adored him.

Steve also leaves behind his faithful canine companions Dexter, Lilly Mae, and Lily Jeanne. 

As per Steve’s request, there is no viewing, but friends and family are invited to calling hours at Burton Quinn-Scott Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street, Erie on Tuesday, July 11, from 3 until the time of service at 5.  After this goodbye, Steve would want you to do something special with someone you love. Never wait.

In lieu of flowers, gifts or donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Close to Steve’s heart were animal rescue / pet adoption and Emmaus Soup Kitchen.