Obituary of Steven J. Newkirk

Steven J. Newkirk, 40, of Tucson, Arizona passed away on March 11, 2022.  Born in Scotia, NY, on May 8, 1981, he is the son of Karen A. (Douglas E. Thorpe) Persons Newkirk of Princetown, NY, and Ronald D. Newkirk, Sr. of Mesa, Arizona. 

From his friends Nick and Joel: “Steve was such an incredibly kind person.  We had more fun doing silly and ridiculous stuff than with most people in our lives.  He was a genuine friend.”  All who knew Steve would agree! 

Along with his parents, Steve is survived by his brothers, Ronald D. (Kirsten) Newkirk, Jr. of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; and Matthew R. (Elsa Munoz) Newkirk of Buckeye, Arizona.  Steve is also survived by and loved by his niece Caroline Newkirk and by many aunts, uncles and cousins.  He is also survived by his canine companions, Cocoa and Ina, whom he adored. 

Steven is predeceased by his maternal grandparents H. David and Barbara (Gaugler) Persons, and paternal grandparents Floyd and Betty (Ackerman) Newkirk. 

During his lifetime Steven was a graduate of Scotia Glenville High School, and proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard from 2003 to 2009.  He was employed at the Tucson Veterans Administration Hospital in Tucson, Arizona as a painter in the maintenance department.  Steven enjoyed woodworking, and spending quality time with his brothers, family and friends.  

Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010 on Monday March 28, 2022 from 4 pm to 7 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday March 29, 2022 at 11 am at the Historical St. Mary’s Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010 with Fr. Juanito Asprec officiating.  Interment will follow with military honors in the family plot of the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY.    

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Steven can be made to the PIMA Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Road, Tucson AZ, 85748 where Cocoa and Ina are currently being cared for, or to Hope For The Warriors, 8003 Forbes Place, Springfield, VA 22151