Stephen Jordan

Stephen Jordan, age 74, passed away Friday, April 17th, 2026 in his hometown of Ridgewood, NJ. 

Steve was born to John and Anne Jordan in New York in 1952. He was raised in Ridgewood, where he grew up as the second youngest of his 4 siblings. He attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, and later went to Paramus Catholic High School before transferring to Ridgewood High School for his senior year, graduating in 1970. 

After graduation, Steve entered the work force, first providing rides through a taxi company, and later working in an office for Merrill-Lynch. He quickly realized that office work was not for him, but he soon found his passion through volunteer work, including Camp Sunshine and Snowflake for people with Muscular Dystrophy. This ultimately changed his career path, as he decided to attend college at William Paterson University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Not long after, he started teaching special education at Wallington High School, where he taught for the duration of his career. 

In addition to teaching, Steve was always passionate about music. He learned to play guitar as a high school student, and later brought that talent to his classroom, where he would make lesson plans incorporating singing and playing songs for his students. This was such a class favorite, that students outside his class would often ask to join. He was the director and advisor of the junior-senior class play, and also coached the track team. In his spare time outside of school, you could find him playing gigs at local bars and coffee shops, where he was known as Steve “White Pants” Jordan, on account of the white jeans he would always wear while performing. 

Steve had also travelled extensively throughout the United States, including a cross country road trip with two friends and his beloved dog, Cindy. During his travels, he saw the California Redwoods, breath taking views of the Grand Canyon, and hiked up parts of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, which was always one of his favorite places to visit. As an animal lover, he would always stop a fellow dog walker on the street and ask he if could pet their dog. 

Steve had a natural charisma that could light up a room, and with his sense of humor he was always ready with a quip that made everyone laugh. He was down-to-earth and easygoing, fun-loving and energetic, social and outgoing. But beyond all else, he was deeply caring and loving, particularly for his family and his two sons.

Steve is survived by his sons Eric and Ryan, whom he held immense pride for, as well as by Ryan’s wife Marasia, his sisters Anne and Jeanne, and his nieces and nephews. He took great enjoyment from seeing his children learn and grow, and did all he could to attend all their sporting events, graduation ceremonies, and important life events. He helped teach both of his sons how to play guitar as well, and had plenty of words of wisdom to share.

A celebration of life and service will be held at the Vander PlaatFuneral Home, 25 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff, NJ on Friday, April 24th at 10am. Interment will follow at Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes.

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