About Steve
Steve lost his six month battle with leukemia on April 7. He was 54.
Born August 25, 1954, he grew up in Boston, MA and moved to MD in his early twenties. He worked for Montgomery Wards as a Store Planner for its east coast stores for over 25 years.
Steve was an accomplished musician who played guitar, drums and trumpet. He was introduced to square dancing in the early sixties by his older brother and tried his hand at calling during an amateur caller’s night held by the well known caller Tex Wilson. After attending a local caller’s school, he called his first complete dance at the age of 13.
An accredited member of CALLERLAB, he was a past President and Vice-President of Square Dance Leaders of the Baltimore Area. He was a member of the Virginia State Caller Association and the Old Colony Callers Association of New England.
The longtime caller for Happy Squares of Essex, MD, he called at countless club dances, and square dance conventions, festivals and cruises across the country and overseas. He was a caller for the Japanese square dancing convention in Sendai, Japan. He recorded and produced numerous records under the labels of Desperado, Elite, Lone Star, JoPat and Crown Records.
His goal was to bring fellowship, friendship and good wholesome fun to the Square Dance community. He participated in numerous promotions, demonstrations and charity events. He appeared on WJZ, TV channel 13 in Baltimore, promoting square dancing.
Steve particularly enjoyed teaching and working with youth groups. Over the years, he worked with school districts to implement square dancing as part of the curriculum.
Not just a caller; Steve was an entertainer and was well known for his costumes and outrageous sense of fun. One of his favorite stories was about calling a dance held by Tipper Gore, wife of then Vice President Al Gore, for the Russian ambassador’s wife.
In 1997, Parris Glendening, then Governor of the State of Maryland, honored Steve with a Governor’s Citation for being a “Goodwill Ambassador for the State of Maryland” for his many contributions to the State through his Square Dancing programs. In 2004, he was honored by then Vice President Dick Cheney for his long career and commitment to helping worthy causes in the community and for providing entertainment for young and old alike.
An avid collector of fire memorabilia, he loved storytelling, landscaping and home improvement projects. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 11703, Our Lady of the Valley in Middletown, MD.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; and a daughter, Deirdre Hayward, with husband Shane, and grandson Shane II of Colorado Springs, CO.
Also, sister Maizie Pennelatore, with husband Joe of Boston, MA; brothers Bob, with Elly, of Middletown, MD, and Ron, of Atlanta, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations in Steve’s name may be directed to: Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, One Charles Center, 100 North Charles St., Suite 234, Baltimore, MD 21201.
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