Stephen Salvatore Cusenza ’76 passed away on January 2, 2021, in Walnut Creek, California, surrounded by his loving family.

As a young man growing up in Visalia, Steve spent endless hours working in his father’s hardware store while enjoying free time hiking with friends in the Sierra Nevada foothills. At Santa Clara, he studied civil engineering and met LeeLee Daschbach ’76, his wife of 42 years. Steve’s engineering career focused on the planning and design of public utilities for the cities of Santa Cruz, Taft, and ultimately Pleasanton, where he spent 21 years with the City of Pleasanton Public Works Department.

Throughout his life, Steve found joy and freedom traveling the world with his family and playing the role of tour guide for many friends. His recently acquired dual Italian citizenship brought him and LeeLee to Sicily where he reunited with his Italian roots.

Steve’s kind smile, genuine approach, and jovial demeanor warmed the hearts of those he met. In expressing love, he was known to communicate through his service to others. For friends and family, he could often be found helping them solve their problems, checking in at times of need, and even playing the role of “Mr. Fix-It” for various house projects.

Steve is survived by his wife LeeLee, their three children, brothers and sisters, including Joe Cusenza ’68 and Jane Creech ’72, and several grandchildren.