As classmates we all remember Steve Picker as a wonderful person, full of life, humorous, sincere and a friend to everyone.  Throughout his life he maintained these wonderful characteristics while developing many others which I had the pleasure of observing as a fellow teacher, coach, community member and family friend.  Steve was an accomplished science teacher at Mt. Olive High School while coaching numerous sports and coordinating many of the athletic events.  He was a respected Advanced Placement Biology teacher, who pursued advanced degrees and certifications in his academic area and administrative fields.  He loved  SCUBA diving, his Harley Davidson, guiitar playing and was a professional photographer for  many private and civic events.  His family remained a major focus of his life including his wife Joan, daughters Wendy and Tracy and his 5 grandchildren.  He really developed into somewhat of a Renaissance man extending his interests and talents into volunteer work at hospitals, teaching sign language classes, advising numerous school and community groups.   But, most of all Steve enjoyed sharing moments about Verona High School and all his classmates.  No day went by without some mention of VHS being a part of  his conversations and without the fondness of these years  and his classmates central to his thoughts.   He loved being at the last reunion and would have been among the first members of the class to sign up for the 50th. He will be missed, but most certainly remembered. .   

Steve is the person that comes into your life and makes a difference. We started 2nd grade together. Had lots of good times and even caused some minor trouble in 3rd grade. We could never figure out how our mothers new what was going on, until we found out they went to school together and stayed friends .

High School can be cruel for some kids. Steve was always nice to everyone, including me. He would join us on occasion for street pinky ball and did not cheat like Charlie Gould. Will miss him in October.