Steven Craig McDuffie departed this life peacefully at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ on Sunday, May 21, 2023, from a sudden illness.
Steven was born September 23, 1956, in Neptune, NJ. He attended and graduated from Neptune Township Public Schools. While at Neptune High School, he found his love for track, field and cross country under the leadership of the coaches, The late Henry Nonnenberg and Caleb Morris. His accomplishments included setting records in the half mile, one mile, two miles and cross country. He was inducted into the Neptune High School Hall of Fame in 2014. He attended Seton Hall University and The University of Maryland on a track scholarship, where he continued his passion for running. After college, he worked at Bell Labs, Holmdel, NJ.
Steve ‘s story of “His Journey of Recovery of Addiction” was extremely important to him and he was not ashamed to share his story. He started working at Integrity House, Secaucus, NJ., where he was an Associate Director of Men’s Halfway House. Steve was licensed as a CADC, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor by The State of New Jersey and because of his journey and recovery, he was able to help many people to begin and complete their journey of recovery. He was also the Director of the Newark Corporate “Individual 5 K Race and the “Run for Freedom 5 Mile Race.”
Until his passing, he walked ten to twelve miles daily with his “Sunrise Walkers.” Steve always said, “By the Grace of God, I will do this until I depart from this Earth.” To His Team, he will always be with you in spirit.
Steven is predeceased by his father, Roosevelt McDuffie and half-sister Regina Parker.
He leaves to cherish his loving memory daughters Nikesha Laguer, Long Branch, NJ, Gia McDuffie and Sophia Somerville, Williamstown, NJ; sons Steven C. McDuffie Jr., Tinton Falls, NJ and Xavier McDuffie (Brielle), Sicklerville, NJ; mother, Miriam Moore, Norcross, GA and sister Debra McDuffie, Norcross, GA.; half-sisters Lisa McDuffie, Columbia, SC, Michelle Parker, Brielle, NJ; stepsister Bernetta Garrett, Montclair, NJ; stepbrother Duval Moore, Long Branch, NJ; grandchildren Steven C. McDuffie III, Giovanni McDuffie, and Odyssey McDuffie; A “Very Special” aunt, Linda Shomo, Neptune, NJ; uncle Alonzo Snead, Moreno Valley CA; nephew Tyron McDuffie, Norcross, GA and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and other relatives and friends.
My condolences, love, prayers, and sympathy to Steve’s Mom, sister, and all family members on their loss. Steve was an extremely caring and stand up cat who will surely be missed but never forgotten. May you R.I.P. eternally my friend.
Simply one of the best and nicest human beings I have ever known. When he was still working in Secaucus, we used to see each other on the train in the morning and at night sometime. We would catch up and reminisce about the old days in Neptune. It was an injury our freshman year playing football, that led to him switching to track and all his greatness. I am honored to have been called a friend by Steve. My deepest condolences to the entire family, especially his mother and Debbie. R.I.P. my brother.
My Deepest Condolences to all the family and Friends. Steve you will be missed and your morning posts and encouragement. May you rest on in the Father’s loving arms. Your Legacy will last forever for those to come. Well done my friend well done! 🫶🏼
Very sad thing to hear I went to Neptune and remember how elegant a runner he was saw him not too long ago Belmar Boardwalk walking May he run on in your memories forever
Wow! So sorry to hear this news. I just saw you not so long ago walking on the boardwalk of Asbury Park. My condolences to the family. May you forever rest in peace.🙏🏾😥❤