Obituary of Steven Leiz

Steven Leiz, 38, died on Monday, May 8 at Overlook Hospital. After a tough 36 hour battle with a systemic sepsis infection, he passed peacefully on Monday afternoon surrounded by family. He was a graduate of Union High School in 1985, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering. Upon graduation he was involved in the installation, maintenance and repair of shipboard diesel engines and later sailed aboard merchant ships as Third Engineer. He came ashore to join Kewanee International, Inc. as a Sales Engineer involved in the international sales of industrial and commerical steam boilers. Because of his love of computers, he established CS123 (Computer Solutions as simple as 123) and specialized in website and database design. Following a diving accident in 1996, which left him quadriplegic and confined to an electric wheelchair, Steven focused his skills on computer technology and assistive devices for the similarly handicapped through the Steven Leiz Fund. Steven was a Flag Officer of the Brigantine Yacht Club for three years and served as Commodore in 2005. Son of the late beloved Mary Jane Leiz, he is survived by his dad, Robert Leiz and his wife, Carol Van Hise-Leiz of Martinsville; his sister, Christine Murray and her husband, Brian of Summit and their three children, Marissa, Margot and Patrick and Carol's children, Kevin and Carrie Van Hise. The memorial gathering will be on Thursday, May 11 from 7-9 pm at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, May 12 at 10:30 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1890 Washington Valley Rd., Martinsville. Steven's final directives made the following request in lieu of flowers: ' I request that a memorial fund be established with donations to be made to the following organization: The Steven Leiz Fund, 2429 Vauxhall Road, Union, NJ 07083. This fund should be used for the support of people with SCI (Spinal Cord Injuries) through the use of assistive technology.'