YOUNGSTOWN - Steven J. Kish Jr., 57, passed away January 1, 2024, at his home.

Steven was born July 11, 1966, in Youngstown, a son of Steven J. Kish and Mary A. Garwood Kish and was a lifelong area resident.

He attended Poland High School and graduated in the top of his class from Mahoning County Joint Vocational School in 1984 and worked at Gorman Custom Manufacturing for several years.

Following graduation, Steven enlisted in the United States Navy and received High Honor Grad. During his time in the Navy he spent time in Guam, Japan, Korea and, Philippines aboard  the USS Proteus until he was honorably discharged.

Steven attended Youngstown State University, where he took engineering courses and earned a spot on the Dean's List for his academic performance.

He struggled with mental illness for many years and was highly creative. Steven was a self taught artist and loved colors and shapes. He also loved nature and animals and was a kind and generous man who wanted to help anyone he could. He enjoyed playing his concertina and telling funny jokes and puns to his family and friends.

Steve leaves to forever cherish his memory his parents, Steven and Mary Kish of Maine; his niece, Ellen (Jeremy) Miles; his nephew Zach Capps; his great nice, Olivia and his brother-in-law, Johnny Capps, all of Summerville, SC; his uncles, Paul (Red) Kish of Poland and Joe (Arlene) Garwood of Massachusetts; his aunt Jane (Kermit) Allen of Maine; his cousins whom he shared many fun times and special relationships with, Melissa, Mary, Gale, Westy, Amy, Sarah, Caroline, Chris, Claire, Kim, Paul and Connie; his closest friend, who brought great joy to his life, Tracy "Trey" Gross and his two kittens, Broken and George.

He will be sadly missed but he will be in heaven with his beloved sister Sarah Capps, Nagymama Dorko, Grandpa and Grandma Kish, Grandpap Garwood, Aunt Jackie, Uncle Brad and Uncle John.

Steven's family would like to thank Compass Family and Community Services, especially Latya Reed, his medical team, and Judge Robert N. Rusu, Jr. for their guidance and excellent care given to Steven. They gave us our son back to love and be loved. We are so grateful for them.

Family and friends may gather to pay respects from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Kinnick Funeral Home 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown where a funeral service will be held at noon.

Interment will follow at Tod Homestead Cemetery in Youngstown.

In lieu of flowers, Steven's family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Mahoning Valley Second Harvest Food Bank 2805 Salt Springs Rd. Youngstown, Ohio 44509 or to Animal Charity Humane Society 4140 Market St. Boardman, Ohio 44512.