Steven L. Hobby

Wharton:  Steven L. Hobby, a man who never met a stranger and could fix anything on a motor, a motherboard, or house passed away peacefully at his home in Wharton, NJ, on January 28, 2026.

Steve led a Life of Motion and Curiosity. Born in Orange NJ, to the late George and Weetona Hobby, Steve grew up with a natural curiosity for how the world worked. After graduating from Carson Long Military School  in 1970,  he spent a lifetime proving that he couldn't sit still if he tried. He was a perpetual motion machine—an inventor, a builder, and a fixer. If he wasn't in his garage rebuilding an engine, he was likely deep into a computer build, fixing the house or capturing the world through the lens of his camera. He had the rare ability to see the potential in broken things, whether they were machines or people. Especially cats. His Family is his Legacy and while he loved his projects, his greatest pride was his family. Steve found his greatest joy in his grandchildren, and he was never happier than when he was teaching them something new. 

To know Steve was to be his friend. No matter where he traveled, he seemed to run into someone he knew, and if he didn't, he’d made a new friend by the time he left. He was a man of radical generosity, known for giving anyone anything he had without a second thought or a single question.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine Hobby, who remained his devoted partner and stayed by his side for 36 years.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and lessons in his daughters, Shauna and Stephanie. 

He is survived by his wife Elaine Hobby of Wharton and her children Julie Williams, Lisa Gaida (Steve) and Christopher Williams. His Daughters Shauna Colicchio (Steve), Stephanie Hobby-Defino and Shannon Hobby-Psensky (Tom). 7 Grandchildren and his niece and nephew.

Steve was predeceased by his father, George T. Hobby, his mother, Weetona C. Hobby, and his brothers, Ronald Hobby.  His son-in-law Dino Defino.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Bermingham Funeral Home, 216 S. Main St., Wharton, NJ

A private service and final services will be held privately by the family

In Lieu of flowers, donations to Elevate Hour animal rescue. Steve would be forever grateful. 

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