Stephen A. Katz
KATZ: Stephen A. Katz; age 72, of Squirrel Hill, died at home on January 24, 2015 of pancreatic cancer. He was the son of the late Israel Katz and Grace Lauar Katz Schmuckler. Stepson of the late Nathan Schmuckler. Beloved husband of Cindy Ross-Katz. Brother of Arnie (Svea) Katz. Brother-in-law of Sally R. Bentley, Richard (Lisa) Ross and Laura (Michael) Mannella. Son-in-law of Nina M. Ross. He was the greatly loved uncle of Sol (Sandi) Osterkatz, Leah (Nils) Oster-Katz, Todd (Sarah) Bentley, Lauren (Val) Mathelier, Kim (Dean) Steiner, Rachel Ross, Benjamin Ross, Sarah Ross, Michael Mannella and Michelle Mannella. Steve graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School, attended Carnegie Mellon University, and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. He was an avid Pitt football, basketball and baseball sports fan and was a Golden Panther and active in the School of Business Alumni Association. He served in the 911th Air Force Reserves and the 339th General Hospital Army Reserves. He was a C.P.A. in Pittsburgh for almost 50 years, first working for Touche Ross, MainLafrentz, then J.K. Lasser, before beginning his own CPA practice. Steve led an active life as a CPA, sports enthusiast, loyal Pitt fan and avid golfer, being a longtime member of Westmoreland Country Club; but his true love was baseball. He played baseball at Taylor Allderdice as the leading pitcher. He realized after coaching one year of Pony League that he found a calling. He coached from the ‘60s through the ‘90s, initiating Squirrel Hill’s participation in travel leagues and holding many leadership positions in the 14th Ward and Jewish Community Center baseball programs, as well as the director of the Pennsylvania Connie Mack League. His 1969 Junior Legion baseball team is still the only Pennsylvania state champion team within the city of Pittsburgh. Baseball was a metaphor for life for Steve. He coached baseball but taught so many of life’s lessons to his players. So many of his former players stayed in touch with him, recognizing how much he cared about them and taught them baseball as a way of life. In 2008 he received a well deserved award: The Ziggy Kahn Memorial Award from the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame of Western Pennsylvania. In 2013 Steve achieved a bucket list dream: to attend a baseball fantasy camp. He went to Yankee camp and relived his days as a pitcher. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside. Entombment Homewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to UPMC Cancer Center, Development Office, UPMC Cancer Center Pavillion, Suite 1B, 5160 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 or 14th Ward Athletic Association, 2827 Beechwood Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or Family Hospice Philanthropy Department, 50 Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15243. schugar.com.
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