In Memoriam
Nicholas J. Steckler
1959-2023
CHANDLER, AZ—Nicholas J. Steckler, age 63, of Mesa, Arizona and formally from Richfield Springs, passed away April 21, 2023 while in the care of The Dobson Inpatient Hospice Care Hospital Facility in Chandler, Arizona after a courageous five-year battle with colon/liver cancer.
Nick, also known as Nicky, was born on August 28, 1959. He attended and graduated from Richfield Springs Central School. Shortly after graduating, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona and resided there until his passing.
Nicky was an avid bowler, winning many championship awards; bowling was his deepest passion. He was also a diehard fan of his Phoenix Cardinals NFL. He will always be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor—he always had a joke, no matter how sick he was.
Nicky was predeceased by his father, Nicholas (Nick) Steckler; his mother, Sophie; his brother, David; his grandparents; and his forever best friend in life, Greg Kries.
Nicky is survived by his sisters, Nadine (Pete), Michele (Randy), and Maria; his stepmother, Kate; his nieces, Trasi (Brian), Erica (Eric), Miranda (Brian), and Brittany (Dave); his nephew, Nicholas; great-nieces Alexa and Hannah; and great-nephew Benjamin.
In accordance with his wishes, Nicky’s ashes will be brought back to New York, entrusted to the care of his sister, Nadine. A celebration of life will take place sometime this summer here in New York.
At this time, we want to thank his friend and roommate, Scott Bruce, for all his help. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
I will miss Nick tremendously. He had a great sense of humor and always made me smile. I watched him grow up as best friends with my brother Greg, and a few other people down the street. Ironically, after spending six years in the Navy, I got out and went to a local college during Nick, Greg and David Bruce’s, senior year. This enabled me to get to know Nick, the late great David Bruce, much better as they were both best friends with my late brother, Greg.
Nick and Dave were part of mom’s extended family as so many other children in the neighborhood. Nick would love to hear about my days in the Navy and we shared many laughs and stories regarding his life and mine.
I would go on to meet Dave surprisingly at the senior Capital District softball league as we both played and got to know each other a whole lot better.
It saddens me that these three fine young men are not with us anymore, but I do find comfort in knowing that they are together once again.
The Kreis family will always be your family my friend. Rest in peace Nick we love you dearly.
Brian Kreis
I will miss Nick tremendously. He had a great sense of humor and always made me smile. I watched him grow up as best friends with my brother Greg, and a few other people down the street. Ironically, after spending six years in the Navy, I got out and went to a local college during Nick, Greg and David Bruce’s, senior year. This enabled me to get to know Nick, the late great David Bruce, much better as they were both best friends with my late brother, Greg.
Nick and Dave were part of mom’s extended family as so many other children in the neighborhood. Nick would love to hear about my days in the Navy and we shared many laughs and stories regarding his life and mine.
I would go on to meet Dave surprisingly at the senior Capital District softball league as we both played and got to know each other a whole lot better.
It saddens me that these three fine young men are not with us anymore, but I do find comfort in knowing that they are together once again.
The Kreis family will always be your family my friend. Rest in peace Nick we love you dearly.
Brian Kreis
Nick was my first friend when I moved to Richfield. He was a good kind person.
Nick was my first friend when I moved to Richfield. He was a good kind person.
Nick was a friend we would go and play basketball in the park.He was a all around great person wish I would’ve had a chance to go see him as I live in Arizona to now.
Nick was a friend we would go and play basketball in the park.He was a all around great person wish I would’ve had a chance to go see him as I live in Arizona to now.
I first met Nicky when his Uncle Bill was coaching the Mets (Richfield Springs Little League). Nicky and I shared a passion for baseball. We would often meet up at the Little League field where he would hit line drives, grounders and pop flies for hours at a time. He always had time to talk sports and to crack a joke. I’m going to miss him…..
I first met Nicky when his Uncle Bill was coaching the Mets (Richfield Springs Little League). Nicky and I shared a passion for baseball. We would often meet up at the Little League field where he would hit line drives, grounders and pop flies for hours at a time. He always had time to talk sports and to crack a joke. I’m going to miss him…..
Nick was a dear bowler friend of mine for years.
Always had a smile on his face and a joke to share.
I will miss Nick and his humor. Rest in Peace now my friend.
Boom 2 // Mary Schneider
Nick was a dear bowler friend of mine for years.
Always had a smile on his face and a joke to share.
I will miss Nick and his humor. Rest in Peace now my friend.
Boom 2 // Mary Schneider
Nicky was my most favorite cousin going back to the days when we were up on grandpa/grandma’s farm in Richfield Springs. He was left-handed just like me. We got back in touch when I had a work trip from Columbus, Ohio to Phoenix. He picked me up and drove me to see my cousin Michele, Randy, Sophie, Erica and Miranda! We kept in touch and I stayed over at his house the night before I ran the Phoenix Marathon. He also welcomed my friend Maureen. I remember giving him my most favorite old-fashioned AM radio. He also stood up for me and my husband of 17 years, Miles, in Prescott at our wedding in the Greek Orthodox Church. I will always love and cherish the memories of Nicky. Rest in Peace. I’m sure you are catching up with my parents and sister. God Bless.
Nicky was my most favorite cousin going back to the days when we were up on grandpa/grandma’s farm in Richfield Springs. He was left-handed just like me. We got back in touch when I had a work trip from Columbus, Ohio to Phoenix. He picked me up and drove me to see my cousin Michele, Randy, Sophie, Erica and Miranda! We kept in touch and I stayed over at his house the night before I ran the Phoenix Marathon. He also welcomed my friend Maureen. I remember giving him my most favorite old-fashioned AM radio. He also stood up for me and my husband of 17 years, Miles, in Prescott at our wedding in the Greek Orthodox Church. I will always love and cherish the memories of Nicky. Rest in Peace. I’m sure you are catching up with my parents and sister. God Bless.
Nick:
Squaw Peak Lanes (32nd Street and Indian School Roads) in Phoenix, AZ
will miss your left-handed(ness) on lane(s) 9 and 10.
The roughest pair of lanes @ Squaw Peak for sure.
You ruled that pair amongst other pair(s)
of lanes @ Squaw Peak.
Melrose Lanes will miss you as well ===
as well as Northgate and Maricopa Lanes here in Phoenix, AZ.
You were such the “best” lefty I have ever known.
Remember all the “beer” frames for sure! We always had a blast.
I love you and miss you Nick ===
I hope you are enjoying your “next life.”
See you sometime soon my friend.
BOOM2 (Mary Schneider)
Nick:
Squaw Peak Lanes (32nd Street and Indian School Roads) in Phoenix, AZ
will miss your left-handed(ness) on lane(s) 9 and 10.
The roughest pair of lanes @ Squaw Peak for sure.
You ruled that pair amongst other pair(s)
of lanes @ Squaw Peak.
Melrose Lanes will miss you as well ===
as well as Northgate and Maricopa Lanes here in Phoenix, AZ.
You were such the “best” lefty I have ever known.
Remember all the “beer” frames for sure! We always had a blast.
I love you and miss you Nick ===
I hope you are enjoying your “next life.”
See you sometime soon my friend.
BOOM2 (Mary Schneider)
I always think of you Nick — miss our yearly birthday chats and laughs!
Mary Schneider ~
08.28.2024:
Happy Birthday, Nick!
Miss our annual “Happy Birthday” phone calls to each other.
Rest in Peace, my friend –
Mary (Boom-Boom) Schneider
Happy Birthday Nick!
Think of you often, miss our meeting up at CAPS for lunch.
And miss our annual birthday calls to each other, ha!
Mary (Boom-Boom) Schneider