Steven R. Massari, 56 of Homer Glen passed away peacefully on Wednesday March 18, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Massari and many other dear deceased family members.

Survived by his beloved wife of 17 years, Margaret "Maggie" Massari; mother, Janet Massari; brother, Brian (Debbie) Massari; In-laws, Duane (late Julia) Conover; Sisters-in-law, Debbie (late Kenny), Mary (Jerry), and Olivia (David) and Brother-in-law, Bill. Cherished Uncle to Elizabeth, Audrey, Sam, Natalie, Nicholas, Noelle, Brielle, Beckham. Special family friends Leo, Becky, Heather, Jason, Mia, Olivia, Lisa, Tom, Zach, Denice, Bill, Madison, William, Joseph, Michael and Andrew. Many loving Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Steve was a skilled Operating Engineer and worked for Local 399 for 25 years at DePaul University managing the buildings on campus. Everything they needed – heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical – you name it – he did it.  And he had a small group of co-workers there that became his close friends through years of being "down in the trenches together".  Because of his work and training he could easily repair anything at home and usually he did but many times wanted to relax and would say "the best tool in the toolbox is your checkbook".

Born on October 26, 1969, Steve grew up in Alsip, IL and from a very young age just gravitated toward his first love – drumming.  He was self-taught and it truly encompassed every fiber of his being.  With no other musicians in the family, it was clear that it was a God given talent and was just in every part of him. From an early age he always "marched to the beat of his own drum" and did whatever it took to pursue it. How many teenagers have a drum cage set up in their bedroom with barely enough room for the bed?  Not many – but Steve did.

No outside input, or opinions from his parents or others on it not being a career – NOTHING stopped him from pursuing his dreams and following his passion.  Even going to Marist Catholic High School was not going to stop him from his rockstar look and he had to hide his long hair under his cap so that he could graduate.  Luckily it worked.

His passion for drumming pushed everyone to be better and inspired the musicians who played with him.  With every hit of the cymbal and pound of the bass drum his love for playing shined through.  Steve believed it wasn't enough to just be good – he wanted to be the best and through his passion, dedication and countless hours of practice he was.

Writing and playing original music with many different bands over the years – he found his biggest local success with his band Flathead Fillups and got to play some of the largest stages and venues throughout Chicagoland.  Steve had many kits over the years but his favorite drums were his custom black DW kit and no kidding – it was like the movie Step Brothers – he new if you had moved them or touched them in the basement.  Any others – go ahead and hit them but that stick better not hit the DW's!

Sharing a love of music with his wife Maggie, they also managed and played in their own cover band for over 10 years.  Maggie would tell you she was a little nervous about this at first because of his intensity about music and there was no 'half way" with Steve.  But everything that he was a part of became better because of his playing.  It pushed you to do better and be better.  And she quickly got used to him calling her out if she missed some timing or forgot the words.  Afterall the music was first and she did not get a "hall pass" to make mistakes.

Steve had so many friends through music and every single one of them that he played with from his first gig playing at a Boy Scouts event to being in front of large crowds at the Metro each held a special place in his heart.  Those years and "moments in time" that they created together were some of the best of his life.

While he was probably the happiest on stage behind the kit he also was a self described "foodie" and loved enjoying good food (steak and pizza were his tops) and sharing it with others.  He had a list of favorites but also loved trying new places and if you came to his house he made sure you ate, drank and enjoyed yourself.  And many times he was offering you food before you even got your coat off.

Steve truly had a heart of gold and would give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it – unless it was one of his black v-necks – no deal on those!  He loved ALL of his family fully and unconditionally and forgave freely and he especially cherished his roles as an older brother and Uncle.  There wasn't a week that went by that he didn't want to know how all of his nieces and nephews were doing.

He loved and adored his wife Maggie and they were stuck together like glue from day one.  Truly best friends they looked forward to nights out but the quiet times at home with take out and a movie were just as special.  Steve made sure she always knew how he felt and that she shined like a diamond.

Never one without a kind word he endeared himself quickly to strangers and those who did get to know him better became his friend for life. We will always remember him for his kindness toward everyone, the smile he always had on his face, his sly sense of humor and tapping on anything and everything he was around – tables – counters – windows – the steering wheel - he never stopped drumming and never will.

If you join us for the services – please come as you are because that is exactly how Steve loved you.

Visitation Thursday, March 26, 2026, in the O'Neil Funeral Home Chapel 1105 E. 9th St., Lockport, IL 60441 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm. On Friday, March 27, 2026, family and friends can gather beginning at 10:30am at St. Bernard's Church 13030 W. 143rd St., Homer Glen, IL 60491 for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am.

Following Mass Cremation Rites will be respectfully addressed.