Stephen Paul Galbincea

Stephen Paul Galbincea "Steve", 66, passed away at his longtime home on Broxton Road in Shaker Heights, on March 27, 2024. 

Born in Cleveland in 1957 to Margie, a nurse, and George, a Cleveland Policeman, and the eldest of their four children, Steve was raised in Brook Park and Middleburg Heights.  After graduating from Byzantine Catholic High School and attending Cleveland State, Steve began a career in consulting, pursuing many adventures, and some consulting, while living in Columbia, Tennessee; Paris, France and Los Angeles, California. 

Steve’s foremost success as a consultant occurred on a project in LA, in 1995, when he met Cynthia Harvey. The couple fell in love, and moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida where they celebrated their beautiful wedding and enjoyed the early years of their marriage on the Atlantic coast and the Ponte Vedra Inn Golf Course. Their cherished daughter, Holly, was born in Florida but, in order to be closer to family and raise Holly properly—as a Browns and Indians fan—the Galbincea’s moved to Ohio. Raising Holly will always be Steve's greatest accomplishment.

A resident of Shaker Heights for over 20 years, Steve was an unforgettable neighbor, friend and member of the Cleveland community. Whether cheering vociferously for Holly in her athletic and singing pursuits, golfing with his buddies at Kirtland Country Club, or bonding with friends over backgammon, poker, or pool, at Tavern Club, Steve loved life. 

Steve will be remembered as a talented musician and chef, bringing energy and joy to any gathering with his delicious dishes, and his singing and guitar strumming. He loved his Browns and Indians, the pre-game tailgate and post-game post-mortem, Indy Cars and March Madness.  A superb storyteller, Steve had wit and a joke for every occasion. Though quick to laugh and find the humor in every situation, Steve was serious about what mattered most: being kind and compassionate to friends in need and never giving up on those he loved. In the face of hardships and challenges, Steve found love and hope every day.

Funeral services will be held at the Church of St. Dominic in Shaker Heights on Saturday, April 27th at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow.