Steven Charles Oyer, of Fairport, NY passed away October 12th, 2025 at the age of 80.
He is predeceased by his parents, Rhetabel and Orville Oyer, twin sister Patricia Kay Robarge, and his beloved wife of 56 years, Bonnie Sue Oyer.
Steve is survived by his three children Jennifer King, Jody Sanderson (Chris), Andrew Oyer (Robyn), and grandchildren, Nate (Brenna), Manny, Monica (Kaeden), Steven, Kate, and step grandchildren Jacob, Henry, and Kat Lichti.
Steve was born in Waverly, Ohio in 1945. His father, Orville, a rail worker, taught him no-nonsense, hard work. His mom, Rhetabel, was loving and kind. Steve got his best qualities from them both. In his youth, Steve was known for his affable, laid-back nature, earning him the nickname “Easy.” He found his calling on the football field, and while Steve was easy off the field, he was a hard-hitting fullback on the field, and feared when he’d “put the shoulder down.” Steve was a standout three-season athlete; in addition to playing football, he played basketball, and threw shotput and discus.
Steve fell in love with Bonnie early in high school—their romance well-documented in the Waverly yearbooks. He’d always smile when recounting their early dates, “I’d pick Bonnie up on my Cushman Eagle Scooter, and we’d ride through town with our .22s to go plink at the dump.” Those were the days. The two remained inseparable for over six decades. They shared a love for sports (especially Ohio State), dining out, and wintering in Key West, Florida, where they were known by friends there as “Mr. and Mrs. Buckeye.”
Steve earned degrees from Capital University (OH), where he studied business and lettered in football, and Ohio University, where he earned his MBA. Steve began his professional life as a football coach and business teacher. He then launched a long-time career in sales and management with the Xerox Corporation (1971-2006). In his retirement years, he fulfilled a long-time dream of teaching college-level business classes, serving as an instructor at the University of Rochester’s Simon School of Business.
Steve was a man of deep faith who cherished his faith community at Christ Clarion, serving as a deacon and singing in the church choir.
Throughout his life he enjoyed chatting with friends both old and new, traveling with Bonnie, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was proud of his Appalachian roots and lifting his family up from meager beginnings, and grateful for everything that life brought. Fittingly, he cherished the song “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.
A memorial service and fellowship will be held at 3:00p.m. on Saturday, October 25th, at Christ Clarion Church in Pittsford. Steve will be interred with Bonnie at the family plot in Evergreen Union Cemetery, in Waverly, Ohio, and is memorialized in the Key West Sculpture Garden. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
Take it easy, Steve. We love you, PaPa.
O-H-I-O
32 responses to “Oyer, Steven C.”
I worked with Steve in the Christ Clarion Choir. He was always so happy to be a part of the ensemble, and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed.
Thank you, Jill. He loved the church and singing in the choir. ~ Jen
Saddened to read this. Some of my greatest childhood memories involved Bonnie, Easy and the kids. Prayers for comfort and peace to his family and friends…
Greg, thank you for your words. I happened to see your comment after seeing Stephanie’s, and your name and words brought a leap of joy amidst my sadness. I agree: so many great memories of our families spending time together. A lot of laughter. Sending you love.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Easy was a great friend to my parents, and I smile reflecting back on the visits our families shared over the years.
Stephanie, it warmed my heart to see your name and to read your words. I also have lots of fond memories of the many moments that our family spent together in Waverly. Sending you love.
Stephanie, it warmed my heart to see your name and to read your words. I also have lots of fond memories of the many moments that our family spent together in Waverly. Sending you love.
To all who knew and loved my dad: Understandably, when one passes, condolences are most often immediately passed along to the family members. But I know my dad touched so many lives (I always say he never met a stranger), and so many are missing him today. So as his daughter, I would like to offer my condolences and love to those of you who are feeling his absence today: the legendary “Starbucks group”, the Key West Sunset Harbor family, the Christ Clarion congregation (his family in faith), colleagues and friends from the Xerox corporation, his former students at the Simon School, and the many family & friends connected to his roots in Waverly & Dayton & Columbus. My condolences, love, hugs, and gratitude to you all. ~ Jen
I am a fellow member of the Waverly class of 63. Shared many classes and football and track team membership. Maybe toughest guy I ever en countered in football. And kindest and most decent off the field. Tremendous combination
John, thank you for sharing your memories and tributes.
Easy was my roll model through high school. Bonnie was my classmate. Both were handsome, honest, engaging, intelligent, affable, and industrious. Steve was co-captain of the football team and student body president. I followed his example and guiding light.
Most likely foodtball took a toll on his mental and physical health.
My good fortune was to know Easy and Bonnie. I wish his family well. They came from sturdy stock!
Terry, thank you for sharing your memories and kind words about both of our parents.
Steve was a good man with a big heart. He was a friend to everyone he met, especially if they were sporting a hat or shirt from OSU! He will be missed greatly.
Thank you, Tom. You are spot on. Anyone wearing OSU gear was likely to become part of an O-H-I-O chant initiated by my dad.
Easy and I both were members of Waverly High School Class of 1963, where I was always proud of our football team as I rooted for them from the band. My Dad and I were next-door neighbors of Bonnie’s family at our Lake White cottages. I enjoyed seeing them at our class reunions over the years. Easy was always nice to everyone. Both were exceptional people. Condolences to the family.
Jonathan, thank you for your kind words and for sharing those memories. I am enjoying continuing to learn even more about my parents as Waverly folks have an opportunity to share their remembrances.
To Steve’s Family : we send our heartfelt condolences. Steve “Easy” was a dear friend and wonderful person. I was his sidekick on several SOC championships teams 59’-63’ “Easy” always had your back on the field and off. He will be missed by all, but never forgotten.
Steve Way and Cherry Watts
Steve, thank you for sharing your condolences and memories. I remember you and Cherry, and it’s especially heartwarming to see comments from hometown friends.
I went to Waverly High School with both Bonnie and Steve. Steve 1 class ahead of me and I graduated with Bonni inn 1964.Loved ones live on in words they said, in lives they touched and, in the happiness, we feel every time we remember them.
Brenda, thank you so much for sharing your remembrances and words of wisdom.
Ditto all of the above from Waverly High School classmates. Easy was in the CHOIR? Wow! Sure didn’t see that coming in 1963!!
Thank you, Susan. Yes, he enjoyed singing in the choir. He had a nice sounding baritone voice. 🙂
Steve was a wonderful man. I worked with him on committees at Christ Clarion. He always greeted me with the biggest smile and a hug. He was very affirming of my work there which meant a lot to me.Condolences to your family.
Lynne, thank you for sharing your kind words and remembrances.
Easy was my hero. He was a little older than me. I enjoyed watching him in the alley behind our houses practicing throwing the shotput. I so wanted a cushman scooter like his . I remember watching him gassing up the Cushman at Freys Grocery across the street from his house. Many good memories sitting in the front of his house talking about sports and eating dill pickles. It was a treat to see him when he would come back to Waverly for a brief visit. He will always be my favorite Tiger football player.Miss you Easy.
Steve, thank you for sharing your admiration and memories. Your recollections made me smile, as I pictured my dad doing these activities, and knowing that he was a role model for you.
I had the honor of helping care for Steve at Creekstone Memory Care. He was such a kind, sweet soul. I loved seeing his many pictures as he spoke of his life with Bonnie and his children. It was clear that he adored his family and his friends as well. He was proud of his football days and enjoyed walking around the courtyard each day to “stay in shape.” He was a staunch Ohio State fan and got us all cheering O-H-I-O! Even as his dementia progressed, he built strong bonds with those around him including several beloved staff members. Thank you to Steve’s family for sharing this bright light that was Steve Oyer with us. He is greatly missed, but my heart is happy that he is reunited with Bonnie. May you find comfort and peace in the memories of Steve’s full and wonderful life.
Dear Jen, Jody, Andy and family,
My sincere condolences to all of you and extended family, upon the passing of Steve.
For the short time that I was a part of Steve’s life,I came to enjoy his friendship. I always tried to stop to say hello and ask him how his day was going. During the busy times Steve would make it a point to get me to stop, with his contagious smile to say hello. I always told him he was fortunate to have a loving family. And I consider myself very fortunate to have had the blessing of knowing Steve.
Thank you for that opportunity.
Rob Faiola.
Go Buckeyes💪🏼🇺🇸!!
Steve and I started our careers at Xerox Dayton ohio he was was a very laid back. In one team meeting our manager gave us some great news. Steve was emotionless. The manager asked what was Steve’s feelings about the news. Steve said he felt ” Muted exaltation”! Which cracked the whole team up that was the most reaction I ever saw from him
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Oyer family for the loss of Steve. We were friends for many, many,, years at Sunset Harbor in Key West. We will miss seeing Steve and (Bonnie).
Steve was our operations manager at Xerox when I had my first sales manager job in 1987. He was a wise counsel and helped me immensely.
We had some great trips throughout the Xerox Mid-Atlantic and Southern Region, selling fax machines, personal copiers and memory typewriters.
Chuck James
I just read Steve’s obituary to learn of the passing of he and Bonnie. They were neighbors up the street in Pittsford. We were fast friends. Steve and I worked together at Xerox, for a while in the same group. I considered Steve my best friend. Sadly, we didn’t keep in touch after we moved out of town. What a wonderful couple they were.
Unfortunately, my wife Lynn passed away four years ago.
I miss them all. Brian O’Hearn