Steven T. Privitera
January 25, 1966 ~ January 17, 2010
Greece: Suddenly and Unexpectedly Sunday, January 17, 2010 at age 43. He his predeceased by his father, George R. Privitera. Steven will be forever loved and forever missed by his wife and best friend, Tracy Privitera and his son, Dylan Pinto.
He is also survived by his mother, Maria Privitera; brother, Mark Privitera; mother-in-law, Noel Schey; brothers-in-law, Ray (Becky) Schey, Michael Schey; several loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; many special and dear friends. Steven was the renowned chef at Bernard’s Grove and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Friends may call Wednesday 3-7 PM at the Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home 1075 Long Pond Road. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Church. Interment held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Dylan’s Educational Fund for Syracuse University. Please make contributions payable to the “Fund for Dylan’s Education” c/o Daniel J. Mastrella, Esq., 16 West Main Street, Suite 100, Rochester, NY 14614 in his memory.
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Dear Steven, I hold close to me many happy memories when I think about you. We had a lot of fun in school and you know I always thought the world of you. I believe you are in a better place, this is what we were taught… Rest and wait for us. We will all be together again and start over from what we have learned. I am extending my deepest prayers and thoughts to all of your family. Celebrate you and how you inspired people. You touched a lot of lives and we will pay it forward. Your friend, Danene.
Dear Steven,
We will miss you and the wonderful way you would come visit our table while dinning at Bernards.
Tracy & Dylan,
We are so sad & sorry for your great loss. Our thoughts & Prayers are with you.
Love,
Debbie & Johnny V & Family
Dear Tracy & Dylan,
I just learned of the sudden passing of Steven…how shocking and painful for you and your family. Tracy, I know the deep love that you have for him…the love of your life! And what a wonderful father he was to Dylan. I have no words to offer that have not been said by others. Know that I have you in my prayers and I send you my love.
Kathleen
Dear Tracy and Dylan, We are so very sorry for your immense loss. We send you our deepest sympathies. We will keep you in our thoughts, prayers and our hearts.
Dear Tracy and Dylan, he will be so missed and you already know that. We have so many great memories and we will hang on to them. One of my favorite is Steven at our house this Christmas hanging out at our stove eating the cardones that he just loved. So that and so many more memories is what is going to keep us going. Love you two so very much. Aunt Nora and Uncle Tom
Dear Tracy and Dylan:
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you both. May God be with you both.
Love, Tracey, CJ, H.Morgan and Hunter
Dear Tracy I am so very sorry that I was not able to offer my respect and condolences to Steven in person. I am deeply sorry for your sudden loss, a most difficult one at that. You and your son will be in my thoughts and prayers for strength and courage in this most difficult time. There are no words any one can say to heal the pain, just hold on to the great memories that you have built as a family as you mourn this tragic loss.
God Bless,
Rita
DEAR TRACY, DYLAN, MARK, MARIA, JOAN AND FAMILY, I WAS VERY SADDENED TO HEAR ABOUT STEVES PASSING. I KNOW WHAT A DIFFICULT TIME THIS IS FOR YOU, AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, PLEASE DONT HESITATE TO CALL ME, I’M HERE FOR YOU! MUCH LOVE AND SRTENGTH TO ALL OF YOU, DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME IN YOUR LIVES. LOVE ALWAYS, CLAUDETTE.
Dear Tracy,
We were so saddened to hear of Steven’s sudden death. Our hearts go out to you, Dylan, and the other members of your family.
Michele & Rich
Dearest Dylan and Tracy,
Please know that all of AQ is praying for you. I have no words to express my deep sorrow, except to say we are holding you in our thoughts and prayers.
love,
Mary
Dearest Tracy an d Dylan,
You have our love and deepest sympathies for your loss. Please know our thoughts are prayers are with you. Love Renee, Mark, Hannah, Luke, Madelynn, and Jared
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Steven very well but My family Kim, Ann and Smitty were good friends. I did have many times the wonderful opportunity to taste and enjoy his wonderful creations at the Grove House. He will be missed.
God Bless.
I have no words to express how we all feel. Just know we love you all so much and will support you anyway we can!
Love,
Lynne, Mike, Sara, Nick and Samantha Defendorf
I loved Steve, he was a ‘real’ person and he loved my Martins too….I am so sad…I cannot imagine what you both are going through….you are in my constant prayers!! Wonder just what Steve is cooking up in heaven????
Big Hugs,
Pat
My Dear Tracy and Dylan,
I need to extend my sincere sorrow at the loss of a truly Great Man. Steven was a man True to His Passion, a Man Steadfast in His Passion, A Good and Decent Man, A wonderful Husband and Father Who Always Put His Family and His Friends Needs Before His Own. Steven was a consistent Man who was Not afraid to stand up for what he Knew Was right! This is the Greatness of your Husband and Father. I am deeply saddend at his passing. I will Miss His engaging Smile and His warm Heartfelt Greetings. He was a True Friend, A Bear Hug I would Always Look Forward To! A GREAT ONE!! My Heart Is Broken!
Love
David Sansone
My deepest heart felt condolences.
To thsoe who are close.
Steve was an awesome guy.
Sincerely Eric Gundrum
My heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Many patients pass through our doors but few touch my heart as much as your family did. Be strong and faith will see you through this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to all of Steve’s family .I am truly sorry for your loss.
No one knows why things happen the way they do but I’m sure you can feel all the love and prayers that are going out to you!
Psalms 27:14
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart:wait, I say, on the Lord.
Our deepest sympathies to Tracey, Dillon and Steven’s family.
Our deepest, deepest sympathies go out to you, Tracy, Dylan, and Family. May your never ending love that you hold dear in your hearts shine on you now. You are loved by so many and will be there always. Call on that love when you need a lending hand. All our prayers are with you. Kathy & Mike
Our heart goes out to you and your family during this sad time. Please know that Almighty God is the Great Comforter and is there for you with each (Ps.34:18) new day. Steven touched the lives of many and will be sadly missed.
Our heartfelt sympathy and love go out to Steven’s Family at this very sad time………….
Our hearts and prayers go out to Stevens faimly, he will truly be missed by all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Steve was a great guy and a true culinary artist. Any time we came to the Grove Steve would come out to make sure everything was perfect and it always was. I will miss him, but we will all meet again.
Our very deepest sympathy goes out to you, Tracy, and Dylan. We will always remember Steve’s warm smile and the time he took to talk to everyone, Tracy, you and Steve glowed with love for each other. Our hearts are deeply saddened today at the news of Steve’s passing. We will pray real hard for you and Dylan.
We are out of town and will not be able to attend the mass. You will be in our thoughts today, tomorrow and always.
Fondly, Susan and Bob
Steve will be greatly missed. Such a wonderful and talented man. He was taken from us way to soon. Our thoughts and prayers to his family.
Steve you will always be missed for now and forever. You touched the world with your gift of your culinary talents and that will never be forgotten. Tracey and Dylan you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve, Your presence will be missed by all.
Steven WAS the Grove. Everything that came out of that kitchen was a work of art. He will be making many people smile with his culinary skills in Heaven. He will be truly missed.
Steven you are truly missed. Carol and I will always remember the family times we spent together. You are a part of our family.
The good do die young. We have a hard time understanding that. We must rely on our faith in God to get us through this difficult time. We know we will see Steven again.
What I have come to understand about Steven is how he came to be such an extaordinary, culinary artist.
It is not just about the food and how it is prepared. He knew the importance and value of family and friends enjoying each other at a meal.
A number of years ago Steven, Tracy and Dylan visited us in Florida to celebrate Easter.He and his good friend chef ‘Woody’ prepared an extrordinary feast.
The food and the friendship were one and the same to Steven. This is what put Steven in a class by himself.
We did another fishing trip to the Florida Keys.After a long day he insisted on cooking the dolphin and tuna that night. I told him he was on vacation and did not need to do all that work. Needless to say, he would not pass up the opportunity to eat,fresh..fresh fish. He always gave more than he took and we are all better for that. None of us will forget that food and the nourishment our getting together provided us.
His memory and influence lives on in the lives of many. A year ago I was cooking a steak on the grill. When I took it off my grandson Michael, another of Stevens friends,was next to me. Michael immediately commented ‘nice grill marks Grandpa’ I asked him where he learned that…Steven of course’
Steven knew what mattered in life. A good person, a good friend, a good husband and father.
Like his cooking, it doesn’t get any better than Steve Privitera.
We will remember him always.
Foster and Carol DiFiore
Steven, You will be missed by all of us as your friendship is not one that will ever be replaceable. You are the kindess gentle giant I have ever met and your family is the sweetest spot in anyone’s day.
Tracy and Dylan, I am so sorry for your loss and mostly for the grief you must be feeling at this time. Such a beautiful family and such wonderful people. What can anyone say but I will be there for you any time you need a friend. I thought about flying up today and then thought my friendship and my hugs will be more meaningful after the busyness of the next few days. My love and my heart go out to the two of you over the miles, I only wish I had the words to take away the pain of the loss of your beloved Steven.
Steven, I am very saddened about your passing. Your family should be very proud of you as you were the first person to bring my family a great diner after my wife and I had an accident. You were one of my best customers at Palmers, You were one of the most demanding, as you only wanted the best. I used Steven as an example to several customers as great food will prevail. Dave McGovern
Tracy – we are very saddened to hear about your loss of Steve. I remember meeting you years ago when Jeanine cut my hair right next to you. I loved hearing stories about your relationship with him, it sounded like a story book. After not seeing you for awhile, I finally realized that Steve was the chef at my favorite restaurant when I saw you there one night. From that point on, we saw each other at family events, etc and I always so happy to hear about your life, that you got married, bought a house to fix up together, etc. and that you were so very happy. I know you are just devastated, but I want you to know that I’m holing you close at heart and am praying for you every minute. Please know that you and Dylan are in our minds.
Tracy & Dylan – We are so sorry to hear of your very sudden and tragic loss. Steven will be missed by all of us who knew him and were fortunate enough to have shared in his life. We hope that you find some comfort in your memories. With Sympathy and much love – Michael & Christine DiPonzio
Tracy & Dylan, spending these last few days in your home, with you, your friends and your family is just what we need right now. Strange not to see him there, but we feel him none the less, in your embrace, in your ever so faint smile, or be it in your tears, while sharing a specific memory. He will be in our hearts and you in our prayers. We’re there for you both, always. Love Lauren & Gary
Tracy & Dylan,
Our hearts go out to both of you.
Steven was a beatiful person full of love,
always putting himself before others,always made you feel welcome and comfortable when in his company.
Steven I will never forget the great Thanksgiving we all had at my house one year it will stick in my mind forever……
Love you Bro God Bless,
Joe & Pat Castranova
Tracy & Dylan,
We are so sorry for your loss. Steven was a great guy with an unbelievable heart! You are in our thoughts and prayers and know that if you need anything, that we are here for you!
All Our Love,
Jen and Jamie
Tracy & Family, I never met Steve but judging from the happiness all around him in the pictures I think I missed out. Hold on to that happiness he gave you and know you’ll see him again. My deepest sympathies go out to you, take care of yourselves.
Tammy (Bears) Roy & Family
Tracy and Dylan – My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love, Michelle and family
Tracy and dylan you are in my thoughts and prayers. I would like to tell you what I thought about your husband/ father, I met steven at LaScala’s. He was GREAT! He got along with everyone. he was funny and witty, and just fun to be around. He was also very good at cooking back then. They couldn’t run the kitchen with out him. then I worked with him again at Bernards Grove in 2003. He was a great at what he did, and he did e verything, Tracy he had his moments in the kitchen, hey we all did. He was helpful to me when my dad was very ill, and I had a really had time. He told me about his dad, and how they loved fishing, and I talked about baseball games my dad and I went to. I have not lost a spouse so I don’t know your level of pain, but I know that you have a lot of friends and family, and TIME will heel, but not forget. Your husband was a wonderful man, and truly will be missed by all who knew him.
Tracy and Dylan, we want you both to know you are in our hearts during this difficult time. We will continue to pray for Gods stregnth to guide you through this.
With love and prayers,
Phil,Mary Grace and Casandra Callipare
Tracy and Dylan,
I am so sorry about your loss. It is trully a shock. I will pray for you both and your family.
Love Diana and Matthew
Tracy and Dylan…I know things are rough now and it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but there are positive aspects that will surface. When I lost my mother I thought the world was going to end and to preserve it I packaged everything and I mean everything she own (there are 30 bins under my parent’s house). I tried to hold onto the materialistic objects, but as time went on I realized that that is all they were and the memories and times I shared where what really mattered. It is hard to see now, but look and find the love in how many people cared and loved Steve. You haven’t been able to move in the Privitera house and that is a sign and a crutch that you must fall on to bring you through this tough time. Cherish the memories and use this experience as a motivation to find the good in life, cherish loved one’s and carry on with the great life you are living.
Dylan – This semester will be rough, but use this as positive force to succeed. Steven was so proud of you and he loved talking about your accomplishments. Honor Steven by continuing to become the good man you are and your possibilities will be endless.
Tracy – I’ve never seen this tragedy from a spouse’s perspective, but I will be there for you to vent your feelings. Unfortunately I’ve experienced my fair share of losses and adding a man I saw as a father figure is hard, but I will be strong and carry you through this time just as you were there for me. This process takes time to recover from, but always remember that you have GREAT friends who love and care about you! Plus I promise to continue to stop by for some of those amazing meals and yes I’ll continue to do the dishes 😉
Tracy and Dylan:
There are no words to express our family’s shock and sorrow at the loss of Steve. We were all very fond of him and will miss him very much. Our thoughts are with you both. May the memories you have of Steve sustain you during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Doug and Pam
Tracy and Dylan~
Words cannot express how truly sorry I am for your loss. You are both in my heart and prayers during this time. May you take comfort in knowing how much Steven loved you both.
Love,
Kris (Kosta) Tisa
Tracy, family and friends,
As I stated on the guest book at the D&C, another shock to the heart. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there to help you wipe the tears and help give strenghth the way you were there, for me, not so long ago.. Much love and sadness, DeborahGail
Tracy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and with Steven. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know.
Tracy, our hearts are with you and Dylan right now. Know how much we love you and are here for you!
Carol, Terry, Tom and Leigh
tracy, there are no words to express,how sorry i am for you! we will all miss steve,and you had a wonderful but brief time w/ him. you have a wonderful son and a great future ahead of you, all my love! deb
Tracy,
I was so sad and shocked to learn of Stephen’s passing. My heartfelt sorrow for you and Dylan at such a difficult time; I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you find a measure of peace in comfort in the days to come.
Leanne McGuinness
Tracy,
I’m truly saddened by your loss and everyones loss who knew Steve. Steve was a kind and caring man who would go out of his way for a friend or anyone in need, whether he knew them well or not. Even though we didn’t get to stay in touch or see each other often, it was always great when we would run into each other. His warm and heartfelt greeting was always uplifting. When you run into Steve you can’t help but smile. It’s a shame when a truly god person leave us all. All too soon. Prayers go out to you and your family. If there is anything I can do please don’t hesitate to ask. Russ Raimondi
Tracy,
Words cannot express how deeply saddened I was to hear about Steven. I am still in shock as I write this.
Steven was truly a wonderful and talented man and we will be missed…
I am so sorry for your loss..please know that you, Dylan and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
With Love, Jason and Danielle
Tracy~I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish there was something I could say to take your pain away, but I know there isn’t. You, Dylan and the family are in my thought and prayers. Steven will be missed more than words can describe. Call me anytime, I’m just a phone call away and wish I could just stop over and give you a hug 🙂 Love ya Girlfriend!!
We are so deeply saddened for your loss. We can remember countless times peeking in at Steven at The Grove. He always took a moment no matter how busy he was to say hello. It was evident that he gave his all as an amazing chef, but even more awesome was the love that he obviously had for you, Tracy and Dillon. I personally will always remember the way he looked at you as you danced on your wedding night.
With all of our love and prayers, Heather and Phil
We are so saddened by Steve’s sudden passing and are so sorry for your immense loss. Steve was such a talented chef; one of a kind. Thanks for the ‘specials’. We love you and will miss you. God bless. The Meeson Family
We are truly saddened & shocked by the loss of Steve. You are in our Thoughts & Prayers. May you always keep all the Beautiful memories in your heart & may God give you & the family strength to help you through this. Please know how many people are there to help you through this. He will be missed & touched many hearts.
With our deepest sympathy,
~Lori & Charlie Privitera~
We just saw Steve on Saturday at the Grove, and he greeted us with a big hug and smile. He has always been there for us. He was so young and talented. IT IS JUST NOT FAIR!!!!
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sad to hear about the loss of Steve. Dawn DeGeorge Siciliano and Daniel DeGeorge