Stephen Duane Fluharty, age 66, of Maybee, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at his home.
Steve was born May 9, 1958 in Washington, D.C. to Roy M. Fluharty and Eloise D. (Belford) Fluharty.
He married Kathy Lynn Leutz on February 11, 1984 at Church of God Mountain Assembly (North Monroe Street Church of God) in Monroe with Reverand Fred Cornelius officiating. Their marriage was later blessed on November 6, 2000 at St. Joseph Catholic Church (Divine Grace Parish) in Maybee by Father Michael D. Malawy. Together they had one son, William S. (Celsie) Fluharty, and one grandson, Joshua Fluharty in Allen, TX.
Steve was a graduate of Brooke High School in Wellsburg, WV and Monroe County Community College in Monroe, having earned an Associate of Commerce degree.
Steve was a retired veteran of the armed forces, having served in both the US Navy and the US Army. He served in the US Navy from 1975 -1979 and in the US Army from 1979 - 1996, including the Persian Gulf War, eventually obtaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was extremely patriotic and very proud of his military service, always speaking of his love of the military and his love of his country. Upon retiring from the military, he taught as an Army JROTC instructor at both Northwestern High School in Detroit, and later Lincoln Park High School in Lincoln Park, for a total of 27 years collectively.
Steve was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138 in Monroe, and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Steve enjoyed numerous hobbies and activities to include yardwork, gardening, camping, building things, working in his garage, reading, playing games, cooking (especially holiday dinners), visiting with family members and friends, and traveling. He loved to take trips to places he'd never been. He loved spending time with his grandson and
enjoyed spoiling him and shopping for him, picking out what he thought were just the right toys he needed to have. He was a great lover of animals. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Some of his most cherished memories were watching the Packers play football at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI with his son.
Steve was a kind, helpful, generous man who was always there for anyone who needed him. He was readily available to lend a hand in an emergency regardless of the time of day or night. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh that endeared him to all those who knew and loved him.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Milford A. "Spunk" Fluharty, and two sisters, Elizabeth A. Cooper and Kimberly J. White. He was also preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Marvin and Anna (Pribyl-Curley) Leutz, a brother-in-law, Harry "Chipper" Curley, and a sister-in-law, Debra Trask.
To cherish Steve's memory, he leaves his loving wife of 41 years, Kathy Fluharty, one son, William (Celsie) Fluharty, and one grandson, Joshua Fluharty, of Allen, TX, as well as his brother, Joel (Marilyn) Fluharty of Brighton, CO, and his sister, Cindy (Marty) Mains of Fayetteville, NC. Special surviving siblings-in-law include LaVern (Marie) Curley of Monroe, Stella Lafayette of Brownstown, Nancy Jones (Don Lingar) of Carleton, Caroline "Sue" Short of Monroe, John Leutz of La Salle, Lloyd Trask of Flint, Connie (Hunter) Brucks, and Bonnie Leutz (Chris Zboch) both of Monroe. Additionally surviving is his goddaughter, Eleonore McLaughlin of Skandia, and 21 nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Steve's life was held at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with Deacon Mike Stewart of St. Mary's Parish Church and St. John's the Baptist Catholic Church officiating. Military funeral honors were provided by the Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138. Burial took place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .