Stephen Daniel Rotondi, age 71, of Trumbull CT and Chester, VT, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025 at Regional Hospice of Danbury surrounded by his loving family (and friends) after a courageous battle with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).

Steve was born in New York's Mount Sinai Hospital and after a short stint in the Bronx, moved to Briarfield Drive in Stratford, CT. Though Steve's life was cut short by this terrible disease, he filled each of his days with as much love, laughter, and excitement as he could. Steve was an avid car enthusiast, who only knew two speeds; fast and faster. He was happiest on the racetracks of Lime Rock and Watkin's Glen, where he was able to push the limits doing what he enjoyed most. Steve was a lover of good food, good wine, good friends, and good music. He was an accomplished musician having attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He was the keyboardist in two local bands, "Eleventh Commandment" and "Crosstown Traffic", playing local clubs in New York and Connecticut. Following the end of his music career, Steve entered healthcare, where he became a respiratory therapist, then a registered nurse, and finally a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). He spent 43 years as a CRNA at Danbury Hospital, where he touched countless numbers of patients, families, and providers. He was a great friend and mentor to so many. His gift for gab kept everyone well entertained (and well informed). If you wanted everyone to know something, Steve was the one to tell. Steve was also a travel enthusiast. He most enjoyed experiencing new places and new cultures with his wife, family and close friends. From the shores of Long Island, to the beaches of Australia and New Zealand, Steve embraced it all.

Steve's passions extended to his love of family. He lived for his wife, children, siblings, nieces and nephews, and close family friends. He taught all of his children how to ski and most enjoyed tearing down the slopes with them. Holiday meals were especially important because they gave him the opportunity to bring those he most loved together. There was nothing he wouldn't do for anyone. As a wise friend told us, " We're only here for a short time. So love every minute".

Steve is survived by his wife Nancy (Moriber), his loving children; Patrick (Natalie) Rotondi of Reno, NV, Benjamin Smilen of Milford, CT, Sydney Smilen (Alex LaBrecque) of Newtown, CT, Brendan Rotondi of Philadelphia, PA, Jacqueline Gambeski of Easton, CT and his 3 younger siblings and their spouses; Robin (John) Stephens of Abbott, ME, Sue (Joe) Evangelista of Milford, CT, and Mark (Robin) Rotondi of Madison, CT. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, and his new baby granddaughter Charlotte.

A wake will be held at Dennis and D'Arcy – Abriola & Kelemen  Funeral Home,  2611 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615 on Monday, April 21, 2025 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. A  funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CJD  Foundation in his memory; https://cjdfoundation.org.

To offer online condolences please visit: www.dennisanddarcy.com