Stephen "Stevie" Michael Homer Jr.

Stephen Michael Homer, Jr. (“Stevie”) was born on June 16, 1951, to Ruth and Stephen Homer; he passed away peacefully on April 28, 2024, after a long illness, with family by his side.  Stevie was a beloved son, brother, and uncle and is greatly missed.  Stevie was born with Down Syndrome and spent his childhood near Burgettstown, PA, being educated in a school established by his parents and other Burgettstown-area residents who also had children with special needs.  In adulthood, Stevie became a resident of Allegheny Valley School (AVS) living both at the Slippery Rock and Coraopolis campuses--Stevie valued the friends he made at AVS, the sense of independence the environment gave him, and the opportunity to work in and around school.
Stevie was a joyous soul with a curiosity for the world around him--he enjoyed going out and about around Pittsburgh as well as traveling a bit farther afield.  Stevie loved sports, including participating in the Special Olympics and cheering on all the Pittsburgh sports teams, especially the Steelers.  Stevie also loved to listen to music and could hum countless college football fight songs.  Stevie played the guitar, drums, and trumpet and also taught himself to play his best-liked hymn, “Amazing Grace,” on his harmonica.   Stevie enjoyed playing games with Yahtzee being one of his favorites.  His enthusiasm in receiving a gift was rarely matched and was often accompanied by the exclamation of “I love it!"--this occasionally would be followed by “What is it?” but in no time he would understand the nature of the latest gadget.  He brought happiness and laughter to all gatherings.
Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Linda Lawson, of Washington, PA, along with her family:  Susan, Ray, and Laura Boswell; Jenny and Kent McKay; Katie, Justin, and Collin Patterson; and Julie, Jason, Madison, and Kyle Clayton.  Further, Stevie will be dearly missed by his brother, Larry Homer, and sister-in-law, Sandy, of Sebec, ME, along with their family:  Keith Homer; Kathy Grant; Clint, Erin, Paden, Karsten, and Andie Homer; and Neal, Crystal, and Cooper Homer.
Stevie was predeceased by his mother and father, Ruth and Stephen, and brother-in-laws, William Pool and Harry Lawson.
The Stevie Homer family would like to thank all of the dedicated caregivers at Merakey Allegheny Valley School (AVS) including the Clayton Family affiliated with AVS as well as caregivers at Allegheny General Hospital for their many years of helping to give Stevie a meaningful life.  A group memorial service was held on June 20, 2024, at AVS entitled “Celebration of Life” which included poems and prayers read by AVS caregivers; in addition, family and friends were invited to share memories of their loved ones as well. Plans are for Stevie to be interred beside his mother at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, as his father was a military veteran.