Steven Mark Dessart
Born on June 6, 1950 in Green Bay. WisconsinDeparted on January 27, 2022 in Palm Bay, Florida
Steven Mark Dessart, 71, passed away on January 27th, 2022. He passed away with loved ones by his side after a courageous battle with cancer while under the tender care of William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida.
He was born to parents Joseph E. Dessart and Patricia C. Coniff, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, he graduated from Premontre High School there.
Steve enlisted in the US air force at Patrick Air Force Base in 1973 and earned the rank of sergeant. He served his country for four years as a radio repairman before being honorably discharged in 1977.
He graduated cum laude with his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Arkansas University in 1980 where he was elected to “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges” in recognition of outstanding merit and accomplishment as a student.
Steve labored and worked so his family could have a better life. He worked at Unisys Corporation in Tulsa, Oklahoma doing customer service engineering from 1981 to 1990. Steve then worked at Guardsmark in December 1990 and was the recipient of the Supervisor Achievement Award for the Central Region on June 25, 1993, for being an extremely reliable member of the security force. Steve took great pride in getting up every morning and going to his job.
He retired from Albemarle Corporation in Magnolia, Arkansas in 2005 after 12 years. After retirement, he returned to Palm Bay, Florida where he enjoyed an active and happy retirement. His passions were jogging, remaining a lifelong learner, dancing, and reading.
He was a gentleman: holding open doors, refraining from cursing and removing his hat when he sat down to dine. He was always chivalrous. He acted as a good role model. He gave the best of himself to his daughters and nieces. We let him know at the end he was never alone when he needed us because he was always there for us.
If you asked a hundred people who Steve was, they’d all have a story to tell. A man of steel. A superhero. A chief. A boxer. Steve was perhaps all of them. He was a storyteller. From the time he was young he fully experienced life. No matter the occasion, Steve had a story.
He was a kind and loving partner to Kathryn De Vocht, who survives him. Steve is also survived by his son Joseph Dessart, daughter Jessica Dessart, daughter Christina Dessart, brothers Dave and Dan Dessart, nieces Dawn, Jenny, and Becky, as well as a host of three granddaughters and one grandson. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and son Wade Dessart.
The family asks that people make donations in support of William Childs Hospice House, in lieu of sending flowers.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
22 entries.
Steve was a true gentleman who cared for his family and friends; his daughters and long term companion, Kathryn deVocht, were always in his thoughts. Courteous and polite, Steve made friends easily and was always available to help in a time of need for a friend. Steve served his country in the military with honor during the VietNam conflict and represented the qualities of how We should act toward one another. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him in his years in the Melbourne area. If you met and knew him, you liked him. A real man of the best kind - a rarely now.
W. W. Alberts
Steve, Even though I never met you, you have enriched my life immensely. Your beautiful, precious, loving daughter won my son's heart. I am so sad that I did not get to know you personally but I treasure getting to know you through these words here, but even more so by what Christina has shared with me. I have been so moved by the depth of love she has for you. The pictures and videos Christina has shared with me help me to know you. It was so wonderful to see my daughter-in-law as a young girl as with her family at Jessica's graduation and I especially love the one of you guys playing in the river. I have such heartwarming memories of river fun with my boys.
I enjoyed reading about your interesting life, especially the fact that you loved to dance, one of my alltime passions. Again, wishing we could have met and talked about the beautiful union between our beloved children. Travis and Christina told me that one day
the Marty Robbins song, El Passo, was playing and out of the blue you said, "Travis's momma loves that song." Gave me cold chills, how did you know that? It is my absolute favorite song of his.... such a very very soothing melody. Are we connected spiritually by the deep love of our children?
Christina and Jessica's love for you shines so brightly... I know they will treasure the time you spent together.
Rest in Peace, Steve.
What does a person with roots in native America and born in Wisconsin and another person with roots in Spain and born in Cuba have in common? Just about everything.
We loved sharing our time with our beloved Kathryn and Cindi while dining in good restaurants, going to the movies, sharing views about in-situ ballet performances, enjoying remote operas broadcasting sessions, discussing details about flamenco dancing shows, elaborating content of Dali-museum exhibits, playing who-done-it in our house, and enjoying one-on-one drinks at Hell-and-Blazes in downtown Melbourne.
I repeatedly told you and Kathryn that Cindi and I loved double dating with you guys.
Our last double dating encounter was at Cafe Margaux on my birthday last year; it became apparent at that time that trouble times were ahead. When the sad diagnosis came in, you indicated via text that steps are been taken to remedy the situation. I responded that "you are a friend that I really want to keep".
Next time we saw you was at the Hospice house on January 26th and you left us the next day.
Needless to say, our friendship has not ended. It's temporarily on hold until we meet again at the other side.
Take care good friend; see you again when the time comes.
When Steve began dating my sister, Kathy, we knew at once how special he was and how fortunate we were to have him join our family. Our great times together are too many to list here. Some highlights are: Christmas in Savannah, where Steve proudly wore the crazy beer hat that we gave him in front of all to see; touring Charleston, where Steve was the only one who could or would decipher the map; escaping Hurricane Florence in Virginia, where Steve performed his infamous risqué dance; and countless others. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a "true gentleman and a scholar" and an incredibly kind and decent man. Steve is and will be sorely missed. It was an honor and a joy to know him and a devastating blow to lose him. We'll see you on the other side, our dear, dear friend. Love, Maryellen and Sal.
When Steve began dating my sister, Kathy, we knew at once how special he was and how fortunate we were to have him join our family. Our great times together are too many to list here. Some highlights are: Christmas in Savannah, where Steve proudly wore the crazy beer hat that we gave him in front of all to see; touring Charleston, where Steve was the only one who could or would dechiper the map; escaping Hurricane Florence in Virginia, where Steve performed his infamous risque dance; and countless others. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a "true gentleman and a scholar" and an incredibly kind and decent man. Steve is and will be sorely missed. It was an honor and a joy to know him and a devastating blow to lose him. We'll see you on the other side, our dear, dear friend. Love, Maryellen and Sal.
After hearing so much about you from my dear friend Kathy, I really was excited to meet you. From the very first story of the "White Roses", you were everything & more. You were truly a kind, gentle man. So grateful for your visit to Estero back in July of 2017. The four of us had so much fun. It was such a pleasure getting to know you. Thank you for taking such good care of my "forever friend" Kathy.
I didn’t know you very well but from the few conversations we had and comments from Kathryn,Hannah and Charlie I know you were a kind man always willing to help others..
You were a good man.
You were loved and you will be missed.
Rest In Peace Steve !
Dearest Steve,
Heaven received another angel when your spirit left this world. I was sadden, but understood, that it was your time to leave us!
Thank you for being such a loving friend..we had lots great times! And thank you for taking care of my sweet friend Kathryn. As you know, she and you are so dear to me!
Finally…save a place for us! We will see you soon, my friend!
Love,
Cindi Anne
Steve, I certainly have not known you the longest but I feel I knew you well. You are a good man with tremendous value and a learning example for us all. My wish is to celebrate your life as a useful life well lived, you have allowed many of us to love you.
Thanks, your friend Dennis
Steve, I will always cherish our memories and good times in Florida with Kathryn and Charlie. We shared many laughs and stories that I will always hold dear to my heart. Love, Hannah
What's a beautifully written obituary. I can hear the love and admiration that is earned only by actions of the heart. You brought up one of the most loyal and amazing human beings that I have ever known. Cancer has altered our lives and dictated our actions for what seems a lifetime but for me, your daughter Christina was and is and angel; she has battled my Cancer diagnosis by my side for the past year. I do not know what I would have done without her.
I am so sorry for the pain that comes with the last goodbye. Heaven gained an Angel and you left many broken hearts behind. The people who stand with you in your last days are a measurement of love you put out in the world while you were on earth, you have definitely made an impact on many hearts; you did something right,
“Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.”
Joe (Lauren), Jessica and Christina (Travis) & families, please except my heartfelt condolences. As you know, I've known Steve along time. He's always shown the love of family and above all the love of his children. He was a true gentleman, father and friend.
I was so elated when he was able to come to Green Bay. And go on a brothers fishing week to Canada with Dave and Dan.
Dave had so much fun, and talked about that for along time.
Steve will be sadly missed and never forgotten.
Love you all Aunt Carole ❤😪
Steve, my husband Dennis and I were so lucky to have gotten to know you as our next door neighbor and loving partner of neighbor Kathryn. You were a joy to know! Fun, always cheerful, always positive... and always ready to lend a helping hand when we needed one. It is our great loss but we are so very thankful to have known and loved you for the years we had you. Rest in peace, our dear friend.
We love and miss you, Steve. Thank you for being a role model, and taking such great care of my Mom. Times spent together were always full of laughs, stories, and life-lessons. I’ll cherish those memories forever. You were truly someone I looked up to, Steve.
Love,
Charlie
Steve,
I did not know you for long. I did not know you well. I did not get the chance to depend on you for comfort and loving protection. Especially when life does what it does at times: fill one with dread. But I do know your daughter, my wife. Christina is the most thoughtful, empathetic, and sensitive soul I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Rarely is she fooled by the flattery or manipulations of the disingenuous? She sees right through, sees them for what they are. It is through her that I know you best. It is the love and protection you have given her that speaks to the character of your soul.
I am thankful for the opportunity and the honor of being with you during your journey home. I saw firsthand how even in the throes of bodily pain, you consistently placed your concerns on the well-being of others. I witnessed this time and time again. Your loving constancy has made women of your girls and filled me with gratitude to have met you. You are a good man and a fiercely protective father. You will be honored and missed forevermore Dad.
Travis Lee Smith
My thoughts and prayers are with you for strength at this sad time. May the Joy of his life be in your heart forever.
Beautiful words as I read with an eyes full of tears. I feel like I know this sweet man so much better. What a tribute to behold and to learn he loved to dance! My heart is sorrowed for the family as the magnitude of this passing greatly left spirits so low. We are right to grieve such a brilliant man that brought so many smiles to others. Thank you for giving me the gift of your sweet daughter Christina who I know you cherished dearly. You will forever live on through her unwavering soul. I will continue to pray for all hearts. Simply put you sir are unforgettable and so I say see you soon. May Gods love continue to carry you all. May God keep you and be with you. #restinrainbows
My deepest condolence to Kathryn and the whole Dessart Family. I’ve never met Steve but know that he was a very kind and loving companion to Kathryn. It is always sad to lose someone we love and I hope you will find some peace in the living memories that he left behind.
Jessica, Joe, Christiana and family,
Dave and I send our condolences and love to you all. I am the sister of Carole Ashford Dessart and Dave, I remember Steve as a young person but sadly did not have the opportunity to get to know him as an adult, I wish I would have, your Dad sounds like he had a rich and interesting life! I know from talking with Jessica and Tina Superhero describes Steve to tee! He left an indelible mark on this earth.
May God continue to bless you and keep you in his loving embrace,
Mary and Dave
