Stephen C. Pendergast

Stephen "Steve" Pendergast, 72, passed away on July 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a life well lived and leaving behind a legacy that will continue through the countless people he touched. Born on June 13, 1954, Steve was the kind of man you never forgot. Whether you knew him as Steve, Pendy, Big Steve, Dad, Paw, or friend, you knew you were in the presence of someone who genuinely cared about others. On February 22, 1974, Steve married the love of his life, Kitt (Krayer). Their love story became the foundation for everything that followed. Steve dedicated his life to providing for his family. He began his career at Ford Motor Co., but he always had a desire for something different. After years of pursuing various private ventures, he embraced the opportunity to build upon a local business. Through hard work, determination, and countless long days, he and his partners developed BRP Mfg. into a successful company and eventually retired with the satisfaction of knowing he had provided a wonderful life for the people he loved most. He had a remarkable ability to read people, earn their trust, and make them feel like they were the only person in the room. His handshake was firm, his opinions were honest, and his heart was bigger than life itself. He never met a stranger, and if someone needed help, Steve would have given them the shirt off his back without hesitation. In his younger years, Steve was a standout softball player for many local teams, including Steels men's softball team. Those years brought him lifelong friendships, countless stories, and some of the best memories of his life. He was also an avid golfer, and many who played with him still tell stories about how he could hit a golf ball a country mile. As a proud member of Shawnee Country Club, some of his happiest days were spent on the golf course, surrounded by friends, laughter, and just enough friendly competition. It seemed impossible to go anywhere without someone knowing Steve. Whether it was a childhood friend, former coworker, teammate, golfing buddy, neighbor, or someone he had helped along the way, people were always eager to share a story about him. He treasured the friendships he built throughout his life—from lifelong friends who shared not only their hometown but also winters in Florida, to his Indiana buddies, to his Wednesday Night Eagles crew, where there was never a dull moment and laughter was guaranteed. The outpouring of love in recent months has been a testament to the impact he made on so many lives. From lifelong friends to young people he encouraged along the way, Steve left an impression that time never erased. Above all else, Steve's greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 52 years, Kitt Pendergast; his children, Brady (Lauren) Pendergast, Cory (Emily) Pendergast, and Kelly (Phil) Martino; his treasured grandchildren, Dylan Martino, Dominic Martino, Luca Martino, Leo Martino, and Liam Pendergast; his beloved sister, Patsy (Tom) Offenbacher; along with his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and a number of nieces and nephews. Welcoming Steve home are his father, Michael J. Pendergast; his mother, Faye T. (DuPont) Pendergast; his sisters, Mikki Morey and Sarah Woods; and his brother, Michael Pendergast. While his family mourns his absence, they find comfort in knowing that the stories, laughter, lessons, and love he shared will live on in all who knew him. Steve's life was not measured by the years he lived but by the people he loved, the friendships he built, and the countless lives he made better simply by being part of them. To know him was to love him, and his memory will forever be carried in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have called him family or friend. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 2, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Shawnee Country Club, 1700 Shawnee Road. A brief memorial service celebrating Steve's life will immediately follow the visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to his grandson’s Autism school, Gold Leaf Behavioral Services, 2727 St. Johns Rd., Lima, OH 45804. Arrangements are under the direction of the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, Wapakoneta, where condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Stephen C. Pendergast

June 13, 1954 - July 22, 2026