Steve Lanzo Montclair High School Verona NJ Death: Family And Friends Mourns Tragic Loss
Steve Lanzo Montclair High School Verona NJ Death Obituary:
Steve Lanzo, a cherished coach, mentor, and influential figure in New Jersey youth and collegiate hockey, has passed away after bravely facing a long battle with cancer. A resident of Verona, New Jersey, he was deeply embedded in the Montclair hockey community, where his dedication to the sport and to developing young athletes left a lasting legacy that will be remembered for decades.
His passing has brought an overwhelming wave of grief across the region, with players, families, colleagues, and friends sharing tributes that reflect both sorrow and gratitude for his life. Within the Montclair hockey system in particular, where he devoted much of his time, Lanzo is being honored as a guiding force who shaped not only athletes’ skills but also their character and outlook on life. He was widely respected for his calm leadership, patience, and deep understanding of hockey, always placing equal importance on personal growth and athletic development.
A proud alumnus of Montclair High School, Lanzo’s connection to hockey began during his own time as a student-athlete. Those early experiences helped shape a lifelong philosophy rooted in discipline, teamwork, and mutual respect—values that would define every stage of his coaching career. Over the years, he worked extensively with the Montclair Hockey Club, coaching multiple youth teams throughout the early and late 2000s. His influence was especially meaningful in youth development programs, including his role in coaching his son Blake’s teams, where he guided young players through important formative years.
Many of the athletes he coached remember him not only for improving their performance on the ice, but for the life lessons he imparted—lessons about responsibility, perseverance through challenges, and leadership both in sport and in life. Beyond coaching, Lanzo also served on the board of the Montclair Hockey Club, contributing his experience and thoughtful guidance to help shape the organization’s direction and long-term success.
His impact extended further into collegiate athletics, where he served as head coach of the men’s hockey program at Montclair State University. There, he continued his commitment to athlete development, earning respect for his structured coaching style, clear communication, and ability to connect with players from diverse backgrounds.
Above all, Steve Lanzo is remembered as a devoted family man. He shared a loving life with his wife Kendra and their children, Sadie, Blake, and Chase. Their loss is deeply felt, and the community has expressed heartfelt sympathy and support for them during this difficult time.
Lanzo passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, after his courageous journey with illness. While his passing brings immense sadness, his legacy lives on through the countless individuals he mentored, supported, and inspired.
As the hockey community reflects on his life, tributes continue to honor not only his achievements in the sport, but also his kindness, integrity, and unwavering dedication to helping others grow.