Steve took his final victory lap on earth Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014, and passed peacefully at Garden Terrace.
A special thanks to the entire crew at TLC2 for the wonderful compassionate care he received.
Born in Brooklyn on Aug. 22, 1941, to Sidney and Sadie Eberman, he took pride in his heritage and was quick to tell all that he was a “New Yorker.” With a sharp mind and creative spirit he directed his talents in the retail industry with Gimbles, Macy’s and Bargain Town. Steve was recruited by Parkview Gem and took a position as merchandise manager, moving his family, wife Golda and two sons, to Kansas City in the early 1970s.
He loved the K.C. lifestyle and pursued his passion of sports car racing and became involved with SCCA for 34 years. At one time his home housed more than 300 trophies of his many awards, including two-time Midwest Champion. In 1974 he moved to Chicago as senior merchandise manager for Saxon Paint, where he met Mary Merola who was to become his business partner and later his wife.
Together Steve and Mary created and implemented the gourmet concept that became Function Junction and selected Kansas City to begin their retail adventure. In 1977 Function Junction opened in Seville Square and grew rapidly as the community embraced them. Over the next three decades Function Junction grew to 17 stores in five cities and is still going strong.
Despite the demands of running a business, Steve found time to race, travel to more than 56 countries and 50 states, compete in BBQ competitions and learned to ride a Harley at age 50. He was the kind of man who set his sights on a dream and then made it happen.
He was preceded in death by his parents and Golda.
Survivors include wife Mary; sons, Eric and Kevin (Jill); grandsons, Elias, Leo and Henry; and sister, Eileen. Steve willed his mind and body to KU for Alzheimer’s research and donations to the Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America Chapter would be appreciated.
A memorial service is planned at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at The New Reform Temple, 7100 Main St., Kansas City, Mo., and a celebration of his life will be held at his home following, where plenty of BBQ will be served. Mr. E … you will be missed.