Steven Theis Obituary (1943 – 2021)

Steve Theis passed away at home, where he wanted to be, on Friday January 8, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 77.

Steve was born in Barberton, Ohio on September 24, 1943, to Francis Theis and Helen Jean Wickizer Theis.

He graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School in Pennsylvania where he played baseball and basketball. He went to Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He always said, he went to Wabash because they allowed dogs in their classrooms. From there, Steve attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and graduated in 1969. He did an internship and general surgery residency at Indiana University Medical Center. Steve then went on to do his residency and fellowship in orthopedic surgery at UPMC, where he was chief resident. Steve was a major in the United States Air Force. He was chief of orthopedic surgery at Elgin Air Force Base Regional Hospital. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal in 1976 for his “excellent medical knowledge of orthopedics and managerial skills along with his high morals and professionalism.”

In 1976, after leaving the Air Force, Steve began practicing orthopedics in Pittsburgh and Washington. He ultimately practiced in Washington and Canonsburg. He spent most of his professional career in solo practice. Several years before retirement he joined Advanced Orthopaedics and Rehab. He enjoyed these last few years of his profession so much due to the great group of doctors, nurses and staff he worked with. Steve retired in January of 2013.

In 2001, Steve married the former, Raine Patton, “the love of his life.” In February 2013, after he retired, they moved to The Landings in Savannah, Ga. They loved the life they shared there. In 2014 Steve was diagnosed with his second occurrence of head and neck cancer. At that time, he had extensive surgery that left him unable to speak or eat for the rest of his life. This is something that would have destroyed the spirit of a normal person, but Steve set forth to live the best life he could, never complaining, and always upbeat, and an inspiration to all who knew him.Throughout his life Steve enjoyed bird hunting and fly fishing. He collected books on the sports he so enjoyed. Steve loved wine, and always believed it needed to be enjoyed “in a proper glass”. He was also known to drink a Jack Daniel’s, the favorite drink of the Theis family. He liked “good ice” and hated “bad bread.” One of Steve’s biggest passions was college basketball. His favorite team was the Duke Blue Devils. Steve loved woodworking, and after his surgery it provided many hours of relaxing enjoyment for him, and many beautiful pieces of furniture for Raine. He enjoyed photography. The Landings provided beautiful scenery and gorgeous wildlife and birds as his subjects. Even though Steve could no longer eat, he enjoyed cooking and entertaining. Steve and Raine loved hosting their Midpoint Halloween party every year. Steve lovedto play bridge. He learned the game in college, but took refresher classes when Raine wanted to learn to play. He joined a poker group with a great group of friends. Steve and Raine belonged to a Euchre group with seven other couples that would play every month. Regardless of his disabilities, Steve had a full and active life, attending monthly trivia games, and many dances, and social gatherings.

Steve is predeceased by his parents, Fran and Helen Jean Theis.

He is survived by his wife, Raine; and his three daughters, Kimberly (Joseph) Sgroi, of Portland Ore., Melissa McVeigh (Jeffrey) of Portland Ore., and Allison (Brian) Dolan of Pittsburgh; two stepchildren, Betsy (Manuel) Dominguez of Savannah, Ga., and Blake (Allysum) Chunko of Pueblo, Colo. He is granddad to fifteen wonderful grandchildren, Lydia McVeigh, Megan McVeigh, Matthew Sgroi, Caroline Sgroi, Anna Catherine Sgroi, William Sgroi, Anne Dolan, John Dolan, Mary Grace Dolan, Peter Dolan, Katherine Dolan, Luke Dolan, Clara Dolan, Jordi Dominguez, and Axel Dominguez. He is also survived by his siblings, Margaret Atkinson, Philip (Linda) Theis, Elizabeth McNulty, and Catherine Sutula; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his fur babies, Sophie, Macie Grace, and Bella, who miss him terribly.

Because of COVID and at his request, there will be no funeral. A memorial service will be held at a safer time. Donations can be made to The Humane Society for Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Drive, Savannah, Ga. 31406.Please sign our guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com.Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Savannah, Georgia