Firefighter Steve Pezzella, 37, of Quincy, passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022 in Canon City, CO, while vacationing with family and friends.

Steve was born June 26, 1984 in Beaver, PA, the son of Stefano F. and Cheryl Flanagan Pezzella, and grew up in Sunrise, FL. He married the love of his life, Emily Sandrock, on June 4, 2011 in Quincy. Steve and Emily would soon welcome in to their life together two beautiful children, Francesca and Gianna, who were truly Daddy’s girls.

Steve was a 2002 graduate of Piper High School where he excelled in baseball. Steve would begin his quest in following his childhood dreams of becoming a Firefighter by attending Broward Fire Academy where he obtained his Firefighter certification. Steve then furthered his training to obtain his EMT/Paramedic certification.
Steve began his career as a Firefighter and Paramedic with the City of Greenacres Fire Department in Greenacres, FL from 2006 to 2007.

On July 28, 2008, Steve began his service to the City of Quincy as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Quincy Fire Department where he worked 1st shift. Steve was a Firefighter III, Hazardous Materials Technician, Fire Apparatus Engineer, EMT/Paramedic, Airport Rescue Firefighter, Rescue Diver, Water Response Team Boat Operator and was a member of the Technical Rescue Team. Steve proudly served the citizens of Quincy for 14 years.

Steve was a wonderful husband, father, friend and Firefighter. As a humble, unselfish, and trustworthy man, Steve was a great listener who was always there to help anyone in need, never expecting anything in return. Steve was the true definition of a hero that touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all.

Steve was very passionate about hunting and was a hardcore Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates fan. But above all, Steve’s family was the most important thing to him.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Stefano F. Pezzella; Paternal Grandparents, Albert (Mirella) Pezzella; Maternal Grandfather, Dorral Flanagan.
Steve is survived by his wife, Emily; children, Francesca and Gianna; mother Cheryl (Albert) Pezzella of New Brighton, PA; Maternal Grandmother, Kay Flanagan of Monaca, PA; Brothers, Anthony (Kim) Pezzella of Sunrise, FL, Albert Pezzella of Menlo Park, CA, and Nino (Amy) Pezzella of Beaver Falls, PA; Sister, Monique (Ronald) Adkins of New Brighton, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

On June 17, 2022, Steve was laid to rest, with honors, at a graveside funeral service in the Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Lauderdale, FL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of:
Central Fire Station
906 Vermont St.
Quincy, IL 62301

Messages may be shared online with family and friends at www.dukerandhaugh.com.