Steve Holdridge

June 6, 1938 - July 16, 2020
Steve Holdridge

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Stephen Paul Holdridge 82, of Wilmington formerly of Newark, NY passed away Thursday, July 16, 2020 at sunrise at the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.

A graduate of Newark High School, Steve was an innovative entrepreneur, developer, builder and community leader. More than just loving the chase of the real estate deal, he loved to “get his hands dirty” with building, fixing, and always finding new projects, commercial and residential. He once built a two-story playhouse with a fireman’s pole and a built-in slide loved by the neighborhood kids.

As a young man, he competed in local Enduro motorcycle events. Steve would often gather up the family for camping trips to the most beautiful spots in upstate New York, visiting waterfalls, hiking trails and cooking by campfire, with his beloved dog.

Coming from a family of boaters, he loved to cruise the open water: taking boat trips across the Great Lakes, Canada and St. Lawrence Seaway. After moving to North Carolina in 1994, Steve designed and built his own house, joined the local business community, and explored the local waterways in his boat.

A longtime student of World War II history, he particularly loved the military tanks and aircraft carriers of the era.

Steve is survived by his wife of 50 years, Diana, his 5 children, Pam, Holly, Dan, Heather and Jim, his sister Marti and brother-in-law Chris Tertinek, niece Tammie, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

According to his wishes, Steve will be cremated and his ashes will be dispersed in Sodus Bay, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Lower Cape Fear Life Care Hospice:

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street,Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • July 20, 2020
    Michael McConnell says:
    I remember Steve from Newark. NY. Great guy, Great talker. Miss you friend.

  • July 20, 2021
    Barbara Bass says:
    Diana, I am very sorry for your loss. Steve taught me what a "clicker" was. He always put a smile on my face. Much Love, Barbara

  • July 26, 2020
    Lisa Andree says:
    Diana, I am so very sorry for your loss. Steve so witty & warm & it was always a pleasure to see him. I'm keeping you in my thoughts & prayers.

  • July 22, 2020
    Jan Justice says:
    I send my deepest sympathy to Diana and family on the loss of a sweet, kind man. I will miss talking to him on my trips to the mailbox. He was a great man! My prayers are with your family.

  • July 22, 2020
    Jan Justice says:
    I send my deepest sympathy to Diana and family on the loss of such a sweet, kind man. I will miss talking to him on my trip to the mailbox. He was a great guy! My prayers are with your family.