Stephen Patrick VanEarden

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Stephen Patrick VanEarden of Huntington Beach, California who left us much too soon on October 27, 2024. He was 58 years old.

Stephen was born in Newark, New York in 1966 to Harold and Frances (Miller) VanEarden.  Stephen attended Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School (’84) before studying Geography at the State University of New York (SUNY) Geneseo (BA ‘88), then Geography at SUNY Binghamton (MA ’90), and then going to work for MapInfo in Troy, New York. In his role at MapInfo, he traveled extensively, ultimately falling in love with California, relocating there when he took a position at Integrated Technologies and made Huntington Beach his home away from home for over 30 years. Stephen was passionate about his work at Integrated Technologies which combined his techy interests and his craft of teaching. A special thank you to Michael & Melody, Glenn & Lisa, Julie, Andrea, Geoffrey & Nicole for your kindness and support of Stephen throughout his illness.

Everyone who knew Stephen knew how much he loved fun and adventure. Through the years he enjoyed line dancing, roller derby, sky diving, white water rafting, and various disciplines of martial arts.  It was Krav Maga that led him to take a yoga class to improve his flexibility.  The rest is history as he went on to become a level four yoga instructor, full-time instructor at CorePower Yoga, and built as he would refer to his ‘Yogi Family.’ A special thank you to Yogi Family members Cami and Sandi for their love and support of our brother during his battle with cancer.  We can’t thank you enough.

Stephen will always be remembered for his infectious smile, booming voice, and the way he made others feel valued and important. We’ll always imagine hearing him saying “Go big or go home,” “You Do You, Boo,” “Drink dirty water” or “boom-chuck-a-luka.”  Stephen’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Stephen was predeceased by his father Harold (2010); is survived by his mother Frances, siblings Cheryl (Tim) Valachovic, Harold (Melissa) VanEarden, Deborah Brissett, Kathleen (Paul) Culpo; nieces and nephews Sarah Gentry, Zachary VanEarden (Lucy), Benjamin (Brandy) VanEarden, Rachel (Connor) White, Conrad Brissett, John Culpo, Theresa Culpo, Helen Culpo; and great nephew Trey Rodriguez and great niece Destiny Rodriguez.

Stephen’s NY family cannot thank enough his CA friends and family for their support during his battle with cancer.  We have experienced first-hand the love and support that he has had here in CA for the past 30+ years and why he didn’t come home for holidays.  As he would say, “if I come home who will teach yoga?”

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday November 16, 2024 at Lake Park in Huntington Beach from 12-3 pm. Please join us for ‘Yoga in the Park’ at noon, followed by remembrances of Stephen, and light refreshments will also be available.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Silverado Hospice, in memory of Stephen Patrick VanEarden.

Rest in peace, dear brother. You will always be in our hearts and memories.

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