Heading Home honors the life and commitment of one of our most dedicated volunteers. Tim Stepetic passed away on December 9th and leaves a legacy of many years of selfless service. Tim was a loyal volunteer who occupied many roles over the years, most recently driving respite residents to their appointments.  He also served as a Home Team member, and helped with move-ins and early morning outreach.  Our hearts and thoughts go out to his family and loved ones.

Below is an excerpt from Tim’s obituary:

Tim was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, on August 18, 1940 and grew up in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. Because of his Pittsburgh roots, he was an avid Steelers and Penguins fan, attending many games, and his passion has been carried on to his family. He graduated from Wooster College in1962 with a BA in Geology and later received his MBA from the University of Utah.

 

After graduating, he joined the Air Force where he served for 23 years and was stationed all around the world in various capacities. While in the Air Force, he was decorated with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. After retiring from the Air Force, Tim was employed by the University of New Mexico, first with NMERI and then at The Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI). He retired from OMI in 2009.

 

Tim, after overcoming alcoholism, was passionate about reaching out to counsel & mentor those in need of support with recovery.

 

He was a dedicated volunteer in the Albuquerque community, including but not limited to Heading Home, Albuquerque Reads, Rio Grande Food Project, Good Shepherd, ARTA, Wildlife Rescue of New Mexico, and post-Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts in Houma, Louisiana. A recent distinction of his volunteer service was being highlighted by Central New Mexico United Way Volunteer Spotlight.

 

Tim was also active at his church, Shepherd of the Valley PCUSA, where he served as an elder, a deacon, a choir member, and coordinator of the annual Shepherd of the Valley’s Greater ABQ Habitat for Humanity Chile Festival.