August 9, 2026
Stephen Douglas Booze, 59, passed away on August 9 at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City following a brief illness, surrounded by his beloved family.
Born December 22, 1966, in Riverside, California, Steve was the son of Joseph and Veronica Booze and the younger brother of Christine Booze. His father served in the United States Air Force, and the family relocated to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, where Steve completed high school. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University and his MBA from Villanova University.
Steve was known for his kindness, generosity, and deep devotion to his family and friends. His charisma, wonderful sense of humor, and playful mischief were unmistakable to everyone who knew him. He had a rare ability to make people feel seen, valued, and genuinely cared for, and to do it so joyfully that he inspired others to do the same.
An avid traveler in both his personal and professional life, Steve loved discovering new places and immersing himself in different cultures. He spent extensive time in India, Southeast Asia, and many other places, always returning with incredible stories and souvenirs for all. He was also a devoted sports fan and loved attending live events whenever he could, especially when he could cheer on his Sun Devils, Yankees, or Villanova Wildcats.
Steve was accomplished in his professional life, serving in executive leadership roles focused upon technology and innovation. But perhaps the greatest measure of his impact can be found in the people he touched along the way. Since his passing, more than 100 colleagues and partners from around the world have reached out to share stories of how Steve looked beyond their role or title and saw them for who they were as people. Again and again, they described the unexpected kindnesses, thoughtful gestures, and lasting encouragement he offered throughout their careers and lives.
One colleague captured it simply: “Steve made me realize I mattered. And that changed my life.”
In early 2017, Steve met his fiancée, Mia Nolan, when they happened to sit next to each other on a flight. Their chance encounter sparked an immediate connection that grew to be a deeply meaningful and loving partnership. They built a life together filled with laughter, adventure, travel, family, and countless cherished memories. Steve was a devoted partner who was endlessly loving and thoughtful.
After relocating to New York, Steve embraced much of what the city had to offer. Some of his favorite pastimes included biking through Central Park, catching a ballgame or Broadway show, and visiting museums. He loved stand-up comedy and live jazz in the Village, and he especially enjoyed being on the water and spending time at the beach. He looked forward each year to family Thanksgivings in Coronado, which became among his most cherished traditions.
Of all his accomplishments, Steve was most proud of being the father of Bryce and Grace. His greatest legacy is the generous spirit he brought to every relationship and every encounter. His strong faith in God guided the way he lived and treated others, whether they were family, a dear friend, a colleague, or a stranger he had just met.
Steve is survived by his parents, Joseph and Veronica Booze; fiancée, Mia Nolan; son, Bryce Booze; daughter, Grace Booze; sister, Christine Booze; and extended family, including former wife Lisa Booze, Winifred Booze, Buddy Booze, Sue Tucker, and Mary Tucker. He also leaves behind two beloved pups, Willow and Oliver, who brought, and continue to bring, so much joy to the family.
A memorial service will be held in Scottsdale, Arizona, and a celebration of life will be held in Manhattan. Locations and details will be announced soon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stephen Booze’s memory to St. Jude or God's Love We Deliver, two organizations Steve was passionate about.
May Steve’s kind heart, generous spirit, and beautiful smile be remembered by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
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I met Steve through Mia Nolan, a family friend through marriage of her stepbrother to my cousin. We loved Mia from the start and Her connection and love with Steve was evident. He was the kindest of souls and his beautiful smile and kindest will be forever missed.
I will always remember Steve and how valued made me feel as employee, i used to assist him during his trips to visit Santiago and once i mentioned to him how much my baby boy loved dinosaurs (who was 2 years old at the time) and the next time Steve came brought him a 70-cm red T-Rex and he still sleeps with it. It was so meaningful to me that he remembered such a small detail, despite all the important things he had on his mind.
I had the privilege of working with Steve for nine years, and during that time, I came to know him as one of the most genuine and caring people I have ever met. Steve had a way of making people feel remembered. If I was sick, in the hospital, going through a difficult time, or simply having a rough stretch, Steve and Mia would send a card or reach out to let me know they were thinking of me. I always thought that was incredibly special. What amazed me even more was learning that I wasn't the exception—this was simply who Steve was. He did that for so many people. He noticed when someone was hurting. He remembered what people were going through. And then he took the time to do something about it, even if it was something as simple as sending a card. In a world where people are often busy with their own lives, Steve consistently made room for other people. Steve genuinely cared about people, and he genuinely loved life. He brought warmth, kindness, humor, and a sense of humanity into the lives of those around him. He was the kind of person whose impact was often felt in small moments, but when you look back, you realize those small moments added up to something extraordinary. Nine years of working together gave me countless memories of Steve, but what I will remember most is the way he made people feel: cared for, thought of, and valued. That is a rare gift. I will miss Steve deeply, and I will always be grateful that our paths crossed. His kindness will stay with me, and I know I am only one of many people who can say that their life was made a little better because Steve Booze was part of it. Rest in peace, my friend. You will be remembered with tremendous love and gratitude.
I met Steve 26 years ago at Exact Software and we have stayed in touch over the years. Steve was the kindess, sweetest man and he was a true gentleman. He was a blessing and I feel so lucky to have known him and had him as a good friend for so many years. He is missed already.
I am speechless to have heard the news of Steve's passing and my thoughts and prayers go out to Steve's family, especially his incredible children. Steve and I shared many great times working together at Exact and he was more than a colleague. He was a friend and mentor to me over all our years together. I will miss him greatly. AEKDB Steve ????
Dear Mia, I was deeply saddened to learn of Stephen’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and know that you, Bryce, Grace, and the whole family are in my thoughts. Stephen volunteered with Apis Arborea, our small nonprofit in Sonoma County, California, dedicated to wild honeybees, and he brought to our work the same warmth and generosity so many people have described since his death. It touched my heart to see him share his time and resources with us for the development of a new program and the building of a new website. His time with us meant a great deal, and we hold him in deep gratitude. I still can hear his warm voice and laughter. Reading his obituary, I recognized the Stephen I knew: someone who made people feel valued and who gave his time with real joy. He made a lasting mark on our community, and we will carry his kindness forward in our work. With deep sympathy and gratitude for the gift of knowing him, Warmly,?Michael Thiele?Founder and Executive Director, Apis Arborea