Steven Badaracco Obituary

On February 25th, 2026, Steven M. Badaracco departed this life much as he always had gone to work-tiptoeing out before dawn, without the click of a door or squeak of a floorboard to wake a sleeping child. He passed unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep in his Elkton, MD home.

Born in Bronx, New York on March 29, 1961, to the late Morton and Lynn (Barnes) Fenichel, Steve devoted his 64 years of life to kindness toward his family and community. Whether translating Bible services (sometimes in his sleep!) for Spanish listeners, performing amateur science experiments in the name of homeschooling or assembling a working paper clock with his kids, Steve used his many talents to enrich the lives of the people he loved. Always eager to perfect a new skill, Steve dabbled in enough hobbies to fill several lifetimes. He enjoyed traveling across the country, exploring national parks and reading favorite stories aloud with his family. Steve recently retired from his job of 33 years at JP Morgan Chase, where he was known for his work ethic and precision as a computer analyst. He also authored several works of fiction and nonfiction under the pen name of "Brad Fenichel".

Steve believed that his greatest calling was to shine the heart of Jesus to everyone around him. One could not leave a conversation with him without knowing they were seen and loved. He lived a quiet faith-driven life without performance or seeking recognition. One of his favorite scriptures was Isaiah 61, which summed up his mission as "To rebuild… to raise up… to repair." Steve's sole desire was for his life to reflect a God who loves all and considers all people His children. He was always most pleased to see others spreading generosity and caring.

The greatest lesson he shared with us was the importance of putting others' needs before oneself. His greatest joy came from his marriage to Janet of 47 years. Together they built a life of love, safety and adventure. Everything Steve did, he did with his family in mind.

Steve's legacy of humor, creativity, generosity and faith continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the wisdom and caring that were the essence of Steve's being. We are at peace knowing that he is now in the place he loved best, beside our heavenly Father. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Janet E. Badaracco, his children: Sarah Fisher (Marietta), Laura Chapman (Benjamin) and Becca College (Jeff), and his seven grandchildren: Giovanni Fisher, Phoebe, Declan and Margot Chapman, and Eliana "Ellie", Violet and Shane College, and his surviving sister, Susan Maakestad (Christopher).

In addition to his parents, Steve is predeceased by his brother, David Fenichel.

A memorial service to celebrate Steve's life will be held at a future date. Details will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, Steve's family request that memorial contributions be made to the Steven M. Badaracco Legacy Fund (https://bio.site/steveslegacy), which will be directed to providing groceries and essentials to underserved communities such as Steve dedicated his time and resources to within his life.

"Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime / And departing, leave behind us footprints in the sands of time." -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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