Steve Kiss, Jr.

Steve Kiss, Jr., age 73 of Fairborn passed away Thursday October 17, 2024 surrounded by his wife of 50 years, their 3 children, and his sister at the Hospice of Dayton.  He was a beloved husband, a cherished father and a doting grandfather (Pap Pap.)

Steve was born on April 8, 1951, the son of the late Steve and Verna Louise (Steinke) Kiss. He grew up in Bellaire on their family farm in the hills of Eastern Ohio. His love for the farm shaped his lifelong passions. His childhood years were spent helping on the farm with the cows, plowing and hay baling the fields, fixing tractors & vehicles, and canning food from the farm. He would fondly recall the enjoyment he had laying in the rafters of the barn curled up in the hay while listening to the rain and the fuzzy stations coming in on the AM/FM radio. He shared many adventures exploring the woods with his siblings and it was very important to him that his children and grandchildren get to experience the farm as he did growing up.

He had an innate sense of inventing things, particularly with wood projects or engines, which fueled pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. He attended and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1974. It was there, through his college roommate, where he met his wife Susan, who would become his loving wife of 50 years and mother to his children after only a short 5 months of dating!

Steve's first (and only) job after college moved him and Susan to Fairborn, Ohio where they resided for the remainder of his life. It was in Fairborn that he built the first of 2 houses and where he raised his 3 children together with Susan. He was a patient father who made it fun to learn how to do things and planned big family vacations (especially the National Parks) every summer. His life demonstrated to his children the importance of family first, honesty, hard work, and finding enjoyment in the small things in life.

Steve was employed as a civil servant within the Sensors Directorate (RY) at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) as an electrical engineer. He was an expert in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), both airborne and spaceborne.  Benefits from Steve's Research & Development (R&D) programs helped revolutionize communication and radar technologies, which also spawned cell phones, Global Positioning Systems (GPSs), and high speed internet. Steve retired after 38 years. There were many more contributions within his extensive career, as these are just a small highlight of his significant accomplishments to secure and advance the United States National Defense.

Steve was funny, charismatic, interesting to be around and engaging. He was purposeful in all he did. Over the years he always enjoyed the hard work that went into logging wood from the farm and using his sawmill to create lumber for woodworking projects or homes. He was always fixing things around the home or outside and was a natural carpenter, mechanic, electrician, plumber and an all around MacGyver.  There was never an opportunity missed to learn/ teach something new or a moment wasted inside on a beautiful day. He had a passion for life and a goal list miles long.

His role as Pap Pap was a cherished role. He loved playing DJ for nightly dance parties when his grandchildren were there and even got party lights to add to the fun. He never failed to have a salvaged toy to bring out that he had saved from his children's toys. Pap Pap never missed a sporting event, family gathering or any vacation the family often planned together. In retirement, he built his second home ground up for his second daughter (but really said it was for his granddaughter, Aria.) He worked as a contractor with KBR for 12 years. He also traveled often with his wife, and was always the "picture taker" during family vacations. During his battle with cancer, Steve fought very hard and never gave up, proving his strength and determination all the way through, just as he lived his whole life.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Susan; three children, Krista (Pete) Call, Diana (Mark) Chandler, Brent (Katie) Kiss; six grandchildren, Aria Chandler (7), Kason Chandler (5), Weston Call (5), Nixon Kiss (2), Parker Chandler (2), Casey Kiss (9m); three sisters, Mary Ann Kiss, Kathy Galinski, Helen Parnell; one brother, John Kiss; as well many nieces, nephews and extended family.

A visitation will be held on Friday October 25, 2024 from 5:00 until 6:45 P.M. at the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn.  A Catholic service will take place at 6:45 P.M., Deacon Bob Gutendorf officiating.  A funeral service will be held on Saturday October 26, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at the funeral home, Pastor Greg Trout officiating.  Burial will follow at Paint Township Cemetery in London, Ohio, located near the homes of his two daughters.

Steve (husband, Dad and Pap Pap) will be forever cherished and missed beyond words until we are once again united together in Heaven.