Memorial Tributes to Steve from his Facebook Page:

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FACEBOOK POSTINGS

Regina Christen:

hi uncle steve.. At this time, you've already passed away and i know you can't read this but i really miss you already and it makes me feel better that i can say this... rest in peace and i love you. December 20, 2009 at 9:35pm

Cynthia Longley:

Steve, I heard tonight at the St. Peter's concert. So sad! Rest in Peace, and know that you will be missed! December 20, 2009 at 10:25pm

Kristen Wielandt Gollnick:

Uncle Stephen you will be so missed- our family's oldest stories go with you and I am so sad that we won't have you to teach us anymore. You were a true student of the world and an all around great guy. Love you. Bet they have fantastic music where you are. December 20, 2009 at 10:41pm

Alex Mastrando:

I just heard the news from Eric. I'm so devastated to hear that you're gone. You were one of my dearest friends and your passing has hit me very hard. There will always be a chair for you at our summer parties in your honor and I will always have an extra beer in your name after every concert. Thank you so much for bei...ng my friend and I'll miss you very much. Don't go chasing around the lady angels too much! December 20, 2009 at 11:02pm

Sharon Burns:

I'm so grateful for the family history you knew, and happy that we were back in touch recently. I wish i'd been to see you...I thought I had more time, and I'm sorry. I know there were some amazing people waiting for you up there though... ♥ December 20, 2009 at 11:02pm

Jenise Grice:

Steve, you will be greatly missed, always a pleasure having you on the gig...:-( December 20, 2009 at 11:15pm

Sylvia Levin Rubin:

I just heard the news from Peggy. we will all miss you! December 20, 2009 at 11:55pm>

Carol Swinchoski:

Steve, you always brought a smile to my face and gave me something interesting to think about. You will be missed profoundly by many, many people. December 21, 2009 at 12:13am

Pamela Taylor:

Steve, I am so sorry I didn't get to say goodbye. I'll always remember our talks to and from those many quintet gigs. Your warmth and thoughtfulness will stay with me. December 21, 2009 at 12:27am

Steve Dillon:

Steve, you will be missed! RIP my friend. December 21, 2009 at 7:40am

Sue Viksne Degoey:

Steve..You will be so missed...I can't tell you how many gigs you've made so much easier with your jokes and upbeat spirit... December 21, 2009 at 7:40am

Jay Mack:

Goodbye my friend December 21, 2009 at 7:57am

Amy Gier Boyd:

Steve I only met you once, my favorite memory is of you singing "Coney Island Baby" with the Ericksons and bringing joy to everyone left behind by death. So full of life and humor and musicianship and bigger than life for all you met. "Til then my friend. December 21, 2009 at 9:24am

Richard A. Macri:

Goodbye my friend. May you rest in peace. You will be missed both in music and friendship. To quote your sensei: "The fortitude to fight on through to the very end - this strength is not only the basis of happiness, it is also the force by which social wrongs can be righted." - Daisaku Ikeda December 21, 2009 at 9:31am

Matthew Lepek

It was always a pleasure and lots of fun working with you. You will be missed. December 21, 2009 at 9:43 am

John Schmitz:

While you are up there waiting for the rest of us maybe you can teach Gabriel a little french horn. Keep him away from that trumpet. December 21, 2009 at 10:29am

William Newrock:

Rest in peace Steve it was always a pleasure sitting behind you. December 21, 2009 at 10:30am

Dorene Balasa Veliky:

rest in peace Steve. December 21, 2009 at 10:56am

Madalyn Hillis-Dineen:

RIP Steve... I'm sure you are making music with the angels. December 21, 2009 at 11:06am

Diane Michaels:

Thank you for your joy of music, both in conversation and in the beauty of your playing. I enjoyed our years of carpooling to the beach together, taking on a mix of topics from the intellectual to the bawdy to pass the time. I raise a glass to all that you were, and are. December 21, 2009 at 11:27am

Jeffrey Lang:

I am sad , Steve was the first great horn player I sat next to in the Boardwalk bands. I learned so much from him. A beautiful person. December 21, 2009 at 12:18pm

Joseph D'Auguste:

Thank you for sharing a lot of great music.....there was no gig that was ever too far, pit that was too small, or feast that was too long, you were always there for the music. (And sometimes all three of those in one day). You will always be an inspiration to me and you will be greatly missed. December 21, 2009 at 12:20pm

JoAnn Lamolino:

I'm so sorry to hear this. Steve and I always ate lunch together on our summertime gigs. Back in the day he used to play gigs with my cousin Francis. So Steve always invited me to eat with him. I used to plant the seed for him to get the ice cream cone after lunch :) December 21, 2009 at 12:27pm

Carolyn Clark:

I am so sad to lose you, Steve. A great horn player and a great guy. I first remember meeting you at the Fourth of July parade in Travis (Staten Island) around 1985...drinking lots of beer at Schafer's and the Roadhouse in those SIMS band summers. Hope you get 1st horn on Mahler 5 in the heavenly orchestra! December 21, 2009 at 12:38pm

Sarah Davol

You will be missed, Steve. Your enthusiasm for music and the horn were contagious. It was so good to see you after the Alice Tully concert recently, and your wonderful smile when talking about Beethoven, and the horns in particular, will not be forgotten. Thank you for sharing your beautiful joy of music & life. December 21, 2009 at 1:11pm

Daniel Molendyke:

Steve...can't thank you enough for the many wonderful notes and for convincing me to stay the course all those years ago and be a hornist. Keep playing high notes! December 21, 2009 at 1:42pm

Anne Erickson:

Incredibly sad-seems you just helped us sing "Coney Island Baby" at dad's funeral. December 21, 2009 at 1:59pm

Garry Ianco:

Sad to lose you- You will be missed. I will always remember our talks of religion. Rest well! December 21, 2009 at 2:13pm

Jim McIlvain:

Steve what a guy, your love of music and life touched us all; you will be truely missed! December 21, 2009 at 2:27pm

Ray Przybilski:

Peace and love to you Stephen wherever you are.I will always remember you.Hope you are playing those heavenly horn lines in the greatest of concert halls. December 21, 2009 at 3:41pm

Heather J. Carlasare:

Steve, I've known you most of my life and I can't believe you're really gone now. I'll always remember how much you loved music, you played truly for the joy of it. My entire family will miss you! December 21, 2009 at 4:17pm

Suzanne Masella:

The patriarch of the Petronello Clan has moved on. Music is the soul of life and you are music in one note. Steve you will be missed by all. Cousin John Masella December 21, 2009 at 4:27pm

Dennis Murphy:

Steve, Ever since I was a little boy on 52nd St. there was always Steve and Gary Christen--Gary was my first friend ever and I remember even back then your love of music----You will be missed RIP December 21, 2009 at 5:20pm

Lorraine Zullo Scheri:

I didn't know this until 5 minutes ago.So sorry to hear this news. December 21, 2009 at 10:45pm

Harry Searing:

Awww, darn it. Sad news. December 21, 2009 at 9:07pm

Donna Dolson:

Staten Island Community Band, mid 1970's , I met you and got to play with you Steve. Intelligent, gentle, with great generousity of spirit, one of a kind. I'm sad too. December 21, 2009 at 5:28pm

MaryAnn Verdiano-Moyer:

RIP Steve. I'm sure you'll bring your love of music to heaven. December 21, 2009 at 5:31pm

Jennifer Gravenstine:

You "shed a few tears" for me just three days ago - now I shed many for you. Rest well kind man. December 21, 2009 at 5:35pm

Ann Marie Pocklembo:

I can't believe you're gone!! Thank you for many, many years of good friendship, and beautiful music making. You'll be terribly missed. Play on in heaven, my friend. Peace. December 21, 2009 at 5:47pm

Bette Gordon:

To a Wonderful Man who loved life and music and enjoyed both! You'll be missed my many. Rest well. December 21, 2009 at 6:48pm

Max Morden:

I echo all the wonderful sentiments expressed here. Play on my friend! December 21, 2009 at 6:54pm

Liz Casper:

Stephen - I am so sad, I was just starting to get to know you. I'll miss your comments and your passion for health care reform - we'll keep fighting and I'll think of you with every post and email I send regarding those issues that we both cared about. Play that horn loudly so we can hear you. December 21, 2009 at 7:01pm

Carla Auld:

Wait, wait....!!!!!.......another angel in heaven for all of us....May God bless and keep you Stephen...may you find the rest and happiness we dream about here...in this existence. You will be missed but your footprints are indelible. You made your mark...it was indeed, a wonderful life... December 21, 2009 at 7:42pm

Terri Walliczek:

Steve I will miss you more than you will ever know. :o( I'm so glad I got to know you and to play horn along with you. December 21, 2009 at 8:06pm

Vince Belford:

Shock !!! ... we were just comparing birthdates, a ritual that has gone on for well over forty years ... I can't believe this ... I have that numb feeling all over on hearing that a close friend has passed ... Steve you will be missed ... Rest In Peace December 21, 2009 at 8:19pm

Marianne Casper:

Stephen I can't believe ur gone, be happy in heaven with ur parents, say hi to ur Dad for me♥♥ December 21, 2009 at 9:16pm

Carolyn Kirby

I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. You will be greatly missed. December 21, 2009 at 9:55pm

Lorraine Zullo Scheri

I had no idea,I am so sorry to hear this news.Steve was my music teacher,R.I.P.Yes,you will be missed. December 21, 2009 at 10:42pm

Linda Blacken

I just found out a little while ago and am in complete shock. I can't believe this. Stephen, French Horn Nation will miss you dearly. Rest in peace, my friend. December 22, 2009 at 1:40am

Vince Belford

I think some music is in order - the great old gospel song "Who Will Sing For Me" - We all are Steve December 22, 2009 at 7:19am

Rachel Truhan

Stephen, the boardwalk bands will never be the same. Miss you so much. So honored to have played beside you all these years. Thanks for the memories and laughter December 22, 2009 at 9:23am

Ray Przybilski

He must of came to his conclusion earlier in his hospital stay.Typical Stephen writings by himself in his "notes" here on his page. Miss you Stephen. December 22, 2009 at 12:41pm

Richard H. Goodman

I just found out! What a shame! I'm so sorry! What a great human being, horn player, and teacher! Play on where ever you are my friend, and don't forget to bring your scores and that tricky E-natural crook! December 22, 2009 at 3:58pm

Pamela Taylor

Paul has dedicated his latest blog to Steve's memory. [Link defunct] December 22, 2009 at 6:02pm

Susan Braden

What a unique, wonderful person you were, Stephen! I'll always remember you with that big smile on your face, really enjoying everything that life had to offer. You will be missed by so many horn players from all over the tri-state area. Rest in peace, my friend! December 22, 2009 at 9:17pm

Dan Wions

RIP friend. Your page has turned into a beautiful tribute to you, and a testament to the type of musician and person you are. December 23, 2009 at 10:31am

Kenneth Jackson

RIP Steve.......you'll be missed..... December 23, 2009 at 12:13pm

Stephen Allen

Steve, even though I only met you the once when you helped out the Princeton Brass Band you made a great impact as both a wonderful player (on Eb tenor/alto horn) and an equally wonderful guy. I am so grateful for that. God be with you. December 23, 2009 at 9:35pm

Anne Erickson

Well said Steve Allen. Steve Christen-you've been an amazing horn teacher; I've always loved the opportunities we've had playing together-never stopped learning from you. December 24, 2009 at 9:06am

Regina Christen

Uncle steve, you will be deeply missed by *everyone*. i love you and i miss you and i wish you were here. Me and dad were going to come visit you in New Jersey next week! Rest In Peace! (i posted earlier, actually i was the first to post) December 23, 2009 at 10:19pm

Rich Erickson

Rest in peace, my good friend...you gave the world so much music and will be missed enormously. December 25, 2009 at 12:36pm

Helen Conklin

I'm sorry, and sad seeing this news. December 26, 2009 at 10:10pm

Evelyn Estava

Nam-miojo-rengue-kyo. On to your next life, Steve. Meanwhile, we will all miss you in this one. December 29, 2009 at 10:20pm

James W Buchanan

Miss you brother. So many concerts, gigs, dinners, jokes since we met in 1960. Glad we spent time together recently. Save me a chair in that big orchestra on the other side. Peace. JIMBO (Bucky) January 3 at 8:59am

Deryck A Clarke

Where ever and whenever there are people eating, drinking, laughing, reflecting, and playing music, you'll always be there Stephen. Thanks for being part of my life and a great inspiration. January 3 at 3:43pm

Julie A. Castelluzzo

I'm glad that I had a chance to meet Steve and get to know him a bit over the last few years. He was a lot of fun to be with. Thanks to my husband, Deryck, I've been introduced to the wonderful circle of hornplayers he knows. January 3 at 4:19pm

Bianca 'Libitina' Migneault-Joe ll

SocialInterview.com asked me "What kind of music does Stephen Christen listen to?"

I answered "classical and once i swear i heard him playing brittany spears on his french horn January 4 at 11:31am

Ed Kliszus

Stephen was a fantastic musician and person. Making music was one of his top priorities....he added to much to the art and enriched so many lives. I shall miss him. January 6 at 9:50am

Gregory Stone

Here is a Guy I never Clasped hands with.HE WAS MY BROTHER ! ! ! ! And Yea'r, I never met Him to touch, but He touched Me So-o////-TOO ... MUCH..." GOD BLESS STEPHEN C... January 15 at 11:44pm

Marta Sosa

OMG! I have not talked to Stephen for about a month or longer. I am so sorry! God I am so sorry he is gone. January 18 at 8:03pm

Marco Malgioglio

Here is to you Steve! Thanks for making the world a better place to live in! You will always be alive in spirit! January 19 at 1:43am

Cubana Rama

I wanted to stop by and leave you a song my friend.
I hope you like it Stephen. I cannot believe you are gone. I thank you for asking me to be your friend last Summer, for sharing stories about NJ with me since I moved to Minnesota in 76. We shared good times and debated on issues always with respect towards one anothe...r. You are a gentleman in heaven. I good soul. I wish I had known you longer. Thank YOU for sharing some of your life with me. May you rest in peace.
Kitaro - The Silk Road January 19 at 3:12am

Kyra Sims

Thank you for teaching me the easy way to play C# minor arpeggios. I'm honored to have known you, even if it was for a short time. Rest in Peace, friend. January 19 at 5:51am

Cubana Rama

You left before I could tell you how much I appreciated you and now I learned a lesson. I am sorry... And thank You for your friendship Stephen.... I love you!

Patti Labelle - You are my Friend

January 29 at 3:20pm
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