Steven Louis Hargrove

The Beginning: Steven Lois Hargrove was born on June 4, 1955 to the late Honorable Judge John R. Hargrove. Sr. and Shirley Hargrove. Alongside his older brother, John, Steven spent his first years living across from Hanlon Park in Baltimore City. It was here that hi passion for sports emerged, as a favorite pastime was watching African American members of the Baltimore Colts practice at the park. Around the age of 5. Steven and his family moved to Ashburton community where he went to the neighborhood school, neighborhood church (Our Lady of Lords and St. Cecilia's), and played baseball for the Mondawmin and Dolefield Little League Orioles. Steve was a premier product of Baltimore City Public School system. As a second grader as Franklin Roosevelt Elementary School #18, Steven's teachers recognized his ability to grasp numbers and language concepts commensurate with a higher-grade level thereby promoting him in that same year to the third grad. From here, Steven continued to excel in his academics studies. For grades 7-12, he attended Gilman School in Roland Park. There, he participated in sports, cultivated a love of music by singing with the Glee Club and the Traveling Men (acapella singing group), and became a character member of the Gilman Summer Theater (later known as the Young Victorian Theater Company). His love of knowledge was so vast that it led to many diverse endeavors as a young man, including music, the arts, sports, and medical science. One of his shining moments was participating in a research internship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Also during this time, Steven and his brother welcomed two sisters to the family: Janet Ruth in 1963 and Lora Frances in 1965. The Adult: Upon completion of High school, he matriculated at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History of Science in 1977. Following graduation, Steven explored several career paths, including working for the Baltimore City court system and a publishing company, where he subsequently published two books of poetry. His passion for the arts continued during this time, and over the course of several years, he was a percussionist with two bands. The Love Commandos and Mambo Combo. After a number of years in retail, he found his passion in managing bookstores, wherein he could further develop and cultivate his thirst for knowledge. In 1990's, Steve left his management position in popular bookstores to give back to the community becoming an astute employee of the Baltimore County Public Library system. During his time, he exposed children to new books and ideas, and helped kindle their own passion and eagerness for learning. In 2002, Steven earned a Masters of Arts in Library Science from the University of Maryland at College Park, and continued his employment at several branches of the Baltimore County Public Library System for nineteen and a half years, taking on various leadership and administrative positions until his retirement in 2013. Prior to his retirement, Steven cultivated an interest in photography, and as a result, became a self-taught, proficient photographer. Steven eventually established his own business, Scene and Unseen, LLC, and launched his popular website stevenharovephotography.com which is still active. He also participated in a number of art shows to showcase his work and was awarded several accolades for his artistry. Spirituality: In August of 1955, Steven was baptized at the St. Cecilia Catholic Church. When the family moved to Ashburton, he attended Our Lady of Lords Catholic Church, where he received his first Holy Communion and was confirmed, and later served as an alter boy. Throughout Steven's adult life, he explored various spiritual paths. For the last twenty- seven years, a part of Steven's spiritual journey had been his participation in Siddha Yoga. In 2007, Steve was diagnosed with fibro sarcoma. From the very beginning, and continuing through his various medical procedure, Steven's outlook and attitude remained positive. Throughout this journey, his faith in God never wavered, and he maintained a warrior spirit until the end. He leaves a legacy of gentleness, kindness, compassion. On the 23rd of January, Steven shared with his spiritual lead, Monsignor Rich, that he heard the heavenly choir singing Hallelujah. Steven peacefully entered into eternal rest with his family at his side on Tuesday, January 24, 2017. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted mother, Shirley H. Hargrove, his brother, John R. Hargrove, Jr. (Beth), his sisters Janet (Doug) Ryczko and Lora Hargrove, his nieces Sydney, Taylor, Morgan, and Leah. nephew Sean, and host of aunts, cousins, friends, and special friend LeeAnn Rostron. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Tributes

Steven Louis Hargrove

June 4, 1955 - January 24, 2017