Contributions to the tribute of Stephen Allan Sabia

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Roger Bennett posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Q: How did you meet Stephen? A: Through our mutual environmental protection enforcement efforts and our complimentary association detecting and enforcing Florida's environmental and resource protection laws. Stephen represented the regulatory and technical expertise through his employer, the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation at the same time I was employed by the Florida Department of Natural Resources, Division of Law Enforcement. Stephen was dedicated to the administration of environmental, primarily, wetlands regulation and permitting of activities associated with Floridas magnificent yet fragile wetland resources. My parent agency, the Florida Marine Patrol was dedicated to the enforcement of environmental laws, primarily focused on the tidal and estuary waters of the state, beaches, and shores. Our primary responsibilities were addressed through the establishment of routine patrols, by land, sea, and air of the precise locations that were Stephen's responsibilities from a permitting, compliance and preservation perspective. Our encounters were frequent as wetland encroachment and development was in the 1980's, a constant threat. I could not have hoped for a better partner with which to combine forces to accomplish the mission, as Stephen was as dedicated and eager a public servant as I have ever encountered. Stephen was genuine, dedicated to his duties and eager to contribute to ensuring the effectiveness and success of our efforts to effectively accomplish a mission we both believed in. It was a delight working with Stephen, as his quick wit and candor served to cement a relationship that transcended that of co-workers and partners, we were now friends. The sense of loss that accompanies his passing is humbling, and my appreciation for his contributions to the establishment of our friendship endures. To those he leaves behind, I express my condolences. Those who were privileged to have been among Stephen's circle of friends, associates and acquaintances have lost a priceless asset.

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Vijay Barnabas posted a condolence

Friday, April 16, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. I was at Warren Wilson College with Steve, and was also on the soccer team with him. He was a fierce competitor and leader on the field and one could not have asked for a better teammate. We were friends off the field, and he was as kind and generous as anyone I’ve ever known. My heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family and friends. Vijay Barnabas, Warren Wilson College (Class of 1982)

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Marge Porter posted a condolence

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Sending hugs to you all. My husband, Tim Deuitch, and I knew Steve from college at Warren Wilson and remained friends after. I always loved Steve’s humor and quick wit. He was a great story teller. We shared a lot of laughs. He was a great athlete, so fast and agile, whether on the soccer field or the racquetball court. Hard working and smart, thoughtful too. He once sent me a box of grapefruit from his tree just because he knew I’d enjoy them. This world will miss him as will I.

In loving memory of

Stephen

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