Steve Lanzo Obituary, Death – A deep sense of sorrow has settled across Verona and the surrounding hockey community following the passing of Steve Lanzo, a longtime coach, mentor, and leader whose influence shaped generations of young athletes.
Steve Lanzo, a proud alumnus of Montclair High School, dedicated much of his life to the sport he loved. His passing after a courageous battle with cancer has left family, friends, and the entire Montclair Hockey Club community grieving the loss of a figure who was far more than a coach.
For decades, Steve served as a cornerstone of the Montclair Hockey Club, not only as a coach but also as a board member deeply invested in the growth and direction of the program. His commitment went beyond the rink. He spent countless hours developing young athletes, teaching them discipline, teamwork, and perseverance values that extended far beyond hockey.
Those who played under him recall a coach who demanded effort but gave even more in return. He was patient, encouraging, and steady, always finding ways to bring out the best in his players. For many, he was the first person who made them believe in their own potential, both on and off the ice.
His leadership also extended to Montclair State University, where he served as head coach of the men’s hockey team. In every role he held, Steve carried the same philosophy: that sports are not just about competition, but about building character and lifelong lessons.
Steve’s passing at home, surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer, has added a deeply personal layer of grief for those closest to him. He is survived by his wife Kendra and their children Sadie, Blake, and Chase, who were the center of his world. To them, he was not only a coach or leader, but a devoted husband and father whose love and guidance shaped their lives every day.
As the community reflects on his life, there is a shared recognition that Steve Lanzo’s impact cannot be measured only in wins or seasons coached. It lives on in the players he mentored, the families he supported, and the lasting culture he helped build within the hockey community.
