Steven Kent Urubek

Submitted to you by the family of Steven Kent Urubek

Steven Kent Urubek, 67, died on Monday, January 21, 2019, in Long Beach, CA. He is survived by his son, Steven M. Urubek, brother John H. Urubek, Jr., sisters Judi (John) Cooper and Tammy Fontaine, nephew George (Amanda) Fontaine, niece Jami (Zach) Manthey and great nephew Colton Manthey. He was preceded in death by his parents Helen and John Urubek and his brother, David Urubek.

In his youth he was a resident of Chicago, specifically the southside community of Roseland. He attended Scanlon Elementary, primary grades, was a graduate of St. Louis of France Elementary and Fenger High School. Naturally athletic, he participated in many sports. However, football was his passion and he earned a full scholarship to play with the University of Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville. As a Volunteer, he started and played in three bowl games; 1971 Liberty Bowl, 1972 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl and 1973 Gator Bowl. Following a brief time with the Dallas Cowboys, he returned to the University of Tennessee to complete his Bachelors Degree in Transportation. "After all, you can't talk business on the football field."

Degree in hand, he subsequently worked with several national trucking firms, most notably Schneider National. And what a career it was. He rushed the goal post of success for 45 years. Ever the team player, he befriended co-workers and customers alike, he mentored rookies and scored often as salesman of the year. He retired in November 2016.

When California became home, he embraced all it had to offer. Warm weather, sailing, golf, fishing, a strong faith and social community, but most importantly fatherhood. "Big Steve" was a devoted father to his son, Steven Marshal. He volunteered, participated, and encouraged his son in all of his endeavors.

Before and after his retirement, planning his next trip was always on his mind. Whether he was travelling locally for a weekend getaway, across the country or a great big pond, he was thrilled to do so. He loved to explore whatever an area had to offer indoors or out, its cuisine, its culture and its people. He was as comfortable as he was curious in a city or countryside, exotic or mundane, historical or modern; his joy was shared with those whom he traveled with and met.

A viewing (9:30a-11:30a) and memorial service (11:30a) will take place on Saturday, February 9, in Memorial Chapel at Forest Lawn, 1500 E. San Antonio, Long Beach, CA. A Celebration of Life luncheon will immediately follow; location tbd. As an expression of sympathy, flowers or memorial contributions to the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach or a charity of your choosing are welcome.