Stephen William Modica
January 19, 1958 – October 12, 2022
Stephen William Modica (Big Steve), 64, of Brandon, passed away on Oct. 12, 2022.
Steve was born on Jan. 19, 1958, to Mary (Ahrens) and Steven Modica in Levittown, N.Y.
After Steve graduated from Island Trees High School and Boces Automotive Technical Training in 1976, he moved with his family to Apollo Beach, Fla.
He then ran Modica’s Photo Shop in Ruskin for 23 years. Then, after a five-year detour with Bank of America, he turned his full attention to real estate, where he has been a property manager and realtor since 2009 and was presently with Berkshire Hathaway.
In 2000, he married the love of his life, Tracey, and became a step-dad to Kevin.
Ten years ago, Steve became a Mini Cooper car enthusiast after purchasing “Phoenix” and started East of the Bay Mini Cooper Club, a local Mini Cooper car club for area MINIacs, where he was president.
Steve never met a stranger (or a dog) he didn’t befriend instantly, and if he knew you, he has teased you—and/or asked you to go on a cruise with him. He was a worldwide traveler, serial cruiser and eternal jokester.
He relished being grandpa to Asher and Jaxon and goofy uncle to numerous friends and relatives’ kids as well as his niece and nephew.
Steve was predeceased by his parents, Steve and Mary, and his son, Paul.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Tracey; stepson, Kevin Alagha (Stephanie) of Wesley Chapel; sister, Jennifer Nelson (Russ Kaye) of Jacksonville; nephew, Andrew Nelson (Michelle) of Winter Garden; niece Ashley Nelson (Ryan Gilleese) of Portland, Oregon; as well as two great-nephews and numerous cousins.
A celebration of Steve’s life was held Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at Sun City Center Funeral Home 1851 Rickenbacker Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Calvary Lutheran Church, 1250 East College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570, https://www.calvaryalive.org/Give/. Steve has been a member there and has received spiritual guidance for about 30 years.
Steve was born on Jan. 19, 1958, to Mary (Ahrens) and Steven Modica in Levittown, N.Y.
After Steve graduated from Island Trees High School and Boces Automotive Technical Training in 1976, he moved with his family to Apollo Beach, Fla.
He then ran Modica’s Photo Shop in Ruskin for 23 years. Then, after a five-year detour with Bank of America, he turned his full attention to real estate, where he has been a property manager and realtor since 2009 and was presently with Berkshire Hathaway.
In 2000, he married the love of his life, Tracey, and became a step-dad to Kevin.
Ten years ago, Steve became a Mini Cooper car enthusiast after purchasing “Phoenix” and started East of the Bay Mini Cooper Club, a local Mini Cooper car club for area MINIacs, where he was president.
Steve never met a stranger (or a dog) he didn’t befriend instantly, and if he knew you, he has teased you—and/or asked you to go on a cruise with him. He was a worldwide traveler, serial cruiser and eternal jokester.
He relished being grandpa to Asher and Jaxon and goofy uncle to numerous friends and relatives’ kids as well as his niece and nephew.
Steve was predeceased by his parents, Steve and Mary, and his son, Paul.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Tracey; stepson, Kevin Alagha (Stephanie) of Wesley Chapel; sister, Jennifer Nelson (Russ Kaye) of Jacksonville; nephew, Andrew Nelson (Michelle) of Winter Garden; niece Ashley Nelson (Ryan Gilleese) of Portland, Oregon; as well as two great-nephews and numerous cousins.
A celebration of Steve’s life was held Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at Sun City Center Funeral Home 1851 Rickenbacker Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Calvary Lutheran Church, 1250 East College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570, https://www.calvaryalive.org/Give/. Steve has been a member there and has received spiritual guidance for about 30 years.