Stephen Lanzo

Stephen Paul Lanzo, III
September 8, 1972 – April 24, 2026
Stephen P. Lanzo, III, 53, died peacefully on April 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family.
A longtime resident of Verona, New Jersey, Steve was raised in Montclair and graduated from Montclair High School. He went on to attend Southern Connecticut State University and later earned his MBA from Pace University.
Steve built a career focused on helping non-profit organizations and foundations invest their resources for maximum impact. He spent 14 years at Commonfund, an independent non-profit asset management fund, and his most current role was as Managing Director, Senior Endowment and Foundation Specialist at Bank of America Private Bank. Steve was deeply respected by colleagues for his expertise, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to excellence. He will be greatly missed.
Hockey was a huge part of Steve’s life. A proud Montclair Hockey alum, he went onto spend many years coaching, including at Montclair State University and for the USA Hockey Player Development Camp. He also dedicated his time to the Montclair Hockey Club, coaching several teams, including those of his sons Blake and Chase. In addition to his time behind the bench, Steve served as a Montclair Hockey Club Board member, generously giving of his time and talent to help guide the organization.
Steve was also a lover of music - especially the Grateful Dead - and found peace in nature and one of his favorite activities, lawn care. An avid runner, he also cherished long walks in the woods with his beloved dogs, Gus and Mabel. Friends, family, and co-workers will forever remember the quiet humility - as well as the dry humor and wit - that Steve brought to every situation.
Above all, Steve’s most prized roles were as a husband and father. He and his wife Kendra were married for over 24 years and built a fulfilling life together on the shared values of commitment to family and community. They had three beautiful children, Sadie, Blake, and Chase. Steve loved spending time with his family and watching his children grow and thrive. He considered them his greatest achievement.
Steve was predeceased by his father, Stephen P. Lanzo Jr., of Maui. He is survived by his devoted wife, Kendra; his children, Sadie, Blake, and Chase; his mother and stepfather, Peggy and Bob McMillan; his brothers, Michael Lanzo (Erin) and Christopher McMillan (Sophie); his brothers‑in-law, Chris Daviet (Sherry) and Kevin Daviet (Deborah); his mother and father-in-law Lynn and Ralph Daviet; and his cherished nieces and nephews.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at The Lung Institute at Baylor Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Barnabas Health Home Care and Hospice for their care and kindness throughout Steve’s journey.
A memorial service to celebrate Steve’s life will be held on Thursday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church of Upper Montclair, 581 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ 07043. Luncheon to follow at the Glen Ridge Country Club, 555 Ridgewood Ave, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Steve’s memory to the Montclair Hockey Club (Venmo @montclairhockeyclub or via check) or The David J. Sugarbaker Division of Thoracic Surgery Endowed Fund (https://tinyurl.com/SPLIII) which supports the training of future thoracic surgeons.

Fare thee well, Steve.