Steven Feuer, 50

Feuer, Steven: April 13, 1965-April 8, 2016

Steven Feuer, a man whose remarkable talents and courage made an indelible impact on all who knew him, passed away on Friday, April 8, after a decade-long battle with cancer. He was fifty years old.

Steven was a teacher, chef, baker, entrepreneur, musician, writer, artist and singer. He was fluent in French and also spoke Czech and German. Steven was a graduate of Harvard University, achieved the culinary Grand Diplome at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and earned a degree in music composition from CalArts. Before that, Steven was a valedictorian at Cajon High School in his home town of San Bernardino.

In 2014, Steven was honored as Teacher of the Year at the Berlitz Language School in San Francisco where he taught English as a second language to everyone from high-level executives to curious visitors. He was proud of the special connections he made with his students, introducing them to the culture and history of San Francisco while keeping a stern eye on their grammar.

Steven’s passion and enthusiasm filled all his pursuits, whether planning a trip through Europe or opening up high beloved Desperation Bakehouse, a company made famous among San Francisco food festivals for its savory “shirt pocket pies.” He loved tasting new food and inventing new flavors.

Steven was enormously gifted and creative, yet modest about all he had achieved. He cared deeply about his family – especially his beloved husband, Martin Venezky, who, for thirteen years, stood by his side through good fortune and bad, sharing a life filled with music, arts and travel. Steven taught those closest to him about truly living, with quiet strength, warmth, humor and verve. He will be profoundly missed. Preceded in death this past December by his father Melvin Feuer, Steven is survived by Martin, mother Stella Feuer, and brother Mike (wife Fail, their children Aaron and Danielle) and Bob (husband Larry).

A celebration of Steven’s life will take place at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills (300 N. Clark Drive) on Friday, April 15, at 10 a.m. (parking restrictions on Clark and Swall between Burton Way and Clifton will be temporarily lifted). In his last months Steven was comforted and entertained by the continual presence of public radio. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to your local public radio station.