Obituary of Charles Edwin Steen, IV "Butch"

Charles Edwin Steen IV, affectionately known by family and friends as Butch, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the age of 57, surrounded by his family at Morristown Memorial Hospital. Born on September 28, 1966, in Morristown, New Jersey, Charles grew up in Bernardsville before residing in Stirling for seven years, and for the past 21 years, in Warren, New Jersey.

After graduating from Bernards High School, Charles began his academic journey at Gettysburg College before transferring to The Hartt School, the performing arts conservatory of the University of Hartford, where he earned his bachelor's degree in business with a minor in music. His time at The Hartt School allowed him to combine his love for music and business, which would go on to shape his early career in the music industry, working at RCA Records, Zomba, and Pope Records. While Charles initially pursued a career in the music industry, he ultimately made the thoughtful decision to join his father in the family business, Sarco, where he worked for 28 years. His choice was guided by a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to providing for his family, a role he embraced with dedication and care. 

Charles met the love of his life, Laurie Jean Yakabouski, in a serendipitous encounter while on a skiing trip in Vermont. He spotted Laurie watching a football game in a lodge at the resort and struck up a conversation by offering to buy her a coffee. Although their paths diverged that day without exchanging numbers, Charles, ever the romantic, made a bold and thoughtful gesture by contacting her at the hospital where she worked. This act of courage sparked a relationship that blossomed into a lifelong love. The two were married on October 4, 1997, at Shadowbrook in Red Bank, New Jersey.

Charles' faith was the guiding force of his life. Raised in the First Presbyterian Church of Bernardsville, where his own children were later baptized, his early experiences with the church fostered a lifelong connection to his faith. He continued to be deeply involved in church communities throughout his life, attending services at Stonecrest Church in Warren, Grace Calvary Church in Ship Bottom, and most recently, Greater Refuge Church in Plainfield. He was an active member of the men's group at his church, finding solace and strength in his spirituality and community.

Music was a passion that never faded for Charles. He played the saxophone and enjoyed performing with a band in his earlier years. In addition to his love for music, Charles was an avid golfer, a dedicated fan of the Dallas Cowboys, and a lover of skiing. He had a spirit of adventure and enjoyed traveling, especially by car and train, taking many memorable trips with his family. His large heart and playful nature made him a joy to be around, and he was often described as a "big kid" at heart.

Charles’ devotion to his family was unwavering. He often said, “Everything I do, I do for them,” a sentiment that truly reflected the way he lived his life. He was a loving and dedicated husband to Laurie Jean Steen, a proud father to Jacquelyn Steen and Charles Edwin Steen V, lovingly known as “Buddy,” and a cherished son to Charles Edwin Steen III and Marie (Bryan) Steen. His love extended to his sister, Valerie Zanardi, her husband Paul, and his nieces and nephews: Christopher, Catherine, Spencer, and Caroline Zanardi, as well as his sister-in-law Corinne Yakabouski and brother-in-law Matthew Yakabouski. His family was his greatest pride, and his heart was full with the love they shared.

Charles' kindness, generosity, and strong faith touched the lives of many, and his legacy will forever live in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him. His final resting place will be at Somerset Hills Memorial Park in Basking Ridge, where his cremated remains will be interred in a private ceremony.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A second visitation will be held as well on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m . viewing at Stonecrest Community Church, followed by a 12 PM funeral service at Stonecrest Community Church, 11 Technology Dr. N., Warren, NJ 07059. Cremation services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Charles' memory to Stonecrest Community Church, 11 Technology Dr. N., Warren, NJ 07059, or Grace Calvary Church, 1902 Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom, NJ 08008.

Charles will always be remembered as a man of deep faith, unwavering love for his family, and a heart full of kindness. His memory will forever bring comfort to those he loved, and his impact will live on in the lives he touched.