Stephen Joseph Goeke, Jr.

Stephen Joseph Goeke, Jr., 59, of Philadelphia, PA, passed away on December 9, 2025, surrounded by his family. 

Steve was born on August 11, 1966, in Princeton, NJ. He grew up on a farm in nearby Lawrence Township and later moved with his family to New Egypt, NJ. He graduated from McCorristin Catholic High School and Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He worked as a software engineer at Prophet 21, QAD, and for the past 13 years, at Reliance Standard Life Insurance.

A true Renaissance man, Steve was an avid reader with an extraordinary scope of knowledge, a wide range of interests, and a seemingly endless set of skills. He was smart, fun, witty, and wise. He loved music, had a knack for science, and a talent for woodworking. Steve enjoyed the quiet solitude of the woods as much as the buzz of conversation in his neighborhood tavern. He was a man of character and compassion who made time for everyone and went out of his way to do things for family, friends, and strangers. He lived humbly, gave generously, and loved deeply. Steve’s home away from home was the Goeke family cabin in Potter County, PA, where he spent many days improving the property and many evenings cooking out and stargazing.

Steve is survived by his mother, Catherine Goeke; brother, James Goeke; sister-in-law, Crystal Goeke; sister, Laura Hess; brother-in-law, James Hess; aunt, Mary Mosner; nephew, Ariston Goeke; nieces, Melina Goeke and Abigail Hess; and former wife, Patricia Gray; as well as several other aunts, uncles, cousins, and many cherished friends. Steve was predeceased by his father, Stephen J. Goeke, Sr., and his nephew, Benjamin Hess.

Please join Steve's family on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Delaware Valley Cremation Center, 7350 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136, for a gathering of remembrance in honoring and celebrating his life. A service for Steve will begin at 4:00 pm. Guests are welcome and invited to share their thoughts and favorite memories of Steve during the service, followed by time for refreshments and food, until 6:00 pm. Steve's family will be accessible to receive the loving comfort of your condolences, remembrance, and support throughout the evening.

Steve supported many charitable causes. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, Project Home or The Food Trust, all local charities.