Stephen Vincent Gifford passed away June 11, 2025 at John Muir Medical Center in Concord, California. He was born Feb. 14, 1954, forever guaranteeing family Valentine’s Day celebrations in his honor. Steve was a son, a brother, a husband, classmate and friend.
Whether it was 4-H and the fair, high school sports, college, or as a business partner, Steve worked hard and did it well. His work ethic began on the farm—by 6 a.m. he was doing chores, then scurrying off for school, then on to homework, practices, or games. He always seemed to set the bar high, whether it was as Delaware County herdsman at the New York State Fair, a standout lumberjack athlete, prom king, or salutatorian of the Class of ’72. After high school, Steve graduated from Clarkson University as a civil engineer. Away he went to gain experience in Saudi Arabia, Minnesota, and Arizona until he finally landed in California. That is where he settled down and became a husband, stepfather, a San Francisco Giants fan, and co-owner of MBI. (Midstate Barrier, Inc.) He helped take the company, and grow it, make it a better place to work, and earn it a stellar reputation. Even after “retirement” Steve continued to work part time, right up until the week before his passing.
Two and a half years ago, Steve was given a dire diagnosis of aggressive, stage IV prostate cancer. He, with wife Pam at his side every step of the way, fought it, persevered through treatments and side-effects, tried his best to beat it, but lost the battle despite it all. Take note cancer: you did not take him completely from us! Our indelible memories of Steve and his goofy, loving and generous ways will live forever in our hearts.
Steve is survived by his wife of 27 years, Pam, of Concord, California; his stepdaughter Sarah (Brian) Ankerman of Bonsall, California and his precious and most loved granddaughter, Grace Elizabeth. Back east he leaves his mother Audrey (Bill) Eberhardt of Northumberland, Pennsylvania and sister Denise (Rick) Smith of Deposit. Steve, (a.k.a. Uncle Buck) was adored and loved by his nieces and nephews Casey, Toby, Trevor, Jesse and Jessica and all of their children. He had special relationships with his aunts, uncles and cousins.
Predeceasing him were his father, Richard W. Gifford, and brother Gary (Spook) Gifford.
We look forward to honoring Steve from coast to coast with services and gatherings of family and friends. Come on July 12 to the Hale Eddy Community Church Hall at 123 Hale Eddy Road, Hancock. Doors open at noon and a short service will begin at 1 p.m. You are welcome to join us for a luncheon, fellowship and reminiscing following the service. In the meantime tip your favorite waitstaff as generously as you can as Steve did on so many occasions. Formal donations in his memory may be made to Stephen Gifford DEEP Scholarship, PO Box 22, Deposit, NY 13754, to benefit students from his hometown and alma mater, “DCS so fair.”
Stephen Gifford—a man greatly loved, deeply missed, always treasured.
