I worked with Stephen and enjoyed the theater with him on occasion! He was smart, funny, and had a big heart!
Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!!!

I was privileged to direct Stephen in BLACK COFFEE and he was the perfect  "Hercule Poirot" for this Hunger Artists production, he took a French class at DU for a bit so he knew how to pronounce various words with "Hercule's" dialect.  In so many ways I like to think his playing this part was something of the highlight of his acting career, but he did go on to so many other roles.  I'd like to also add Stephen was a most devoted and loyal friend & he certainly kept me sane several times, calling me frequently to make sure I was ok.  He was a true blue friend.  And I will miss calling him.

I directed Stephen in "She Loves Me" at Loretto Heights College in the 1980s. So inventive as an actor.  Clever and FUNNY.  A hit  with audiences.
Len Kiziuk

I have struggling to find the words to say how much I will miss Stephen.  I simply adored him.  Always did and always will.  He was one of the most sincere and delightful actors and people that I have ever been lucky enough to work with.  I was so fortunate that I was able to work with him and spend time with him recently and was thinking about calling him on the day he passed away to ask if he was feeling up to playing with us again.   Crying now, but I will smile and giggle every time I think of you and your impish charms. 

If there is a heaven, Steve is in it.  And now, there is no way it will be boring.

My friend and co-artist.  A wonderful, funny soul.  We had so many great rehearsals, outrageous talks and hysterical Oscar Nights.  I will miss your warmth and wisdom.

My sicere condolences to the family! I knew of and had seen Steve around the schools and Thornton,Co growing up! My his memories live on😎 ! RIP STEVE🙏

Steve and I have known each over 52 years. I have so many fond memories of times we shared together like: trying to pull taffy when it was right out of the pot burning our hands, participating in a danceathon for over 11 +hours straight, going to the Rocky Horror picture show (which was scary to me) but Steve was doing every crazy thing they were doing on the screen, driving through the colorful tunnels at Water World screaming at the top of our lungs, all the band activities throughout Jr high and high school, being in musicals where Steve was on stage and I in the orchestra pit, eating at HuHot and Las Palmas while enjoying each others company. 

Steve was a good friend and I miss him. I've gone to call him several times since his passing.  Still can't believe he has moved on.  I pray he is in God's arms and truly happy. 

My sympathies goes out to JoAnn and all the other family members.

Sending love your way dear and long time friend.
Leslie

To my cousin Steve, thank you for the fun times and laughter you gave me, Our Thanksgiving and Christmas wont be the same without you, you brought smiles to us all, the funny way you would call bingo and the drawings for the Pictionary game we would play you brought laughter to everyone who was there,  always willing to be a part of whatever we were doing.  I will never forget our first movie together together at the Northglenn mall when it used to be there The first Poseidon Adventure and the time we went to Lakeside and you got so sick on the hammers. Great!!Great!! memories for me to hold in my heart.  Every time I watch the Brady Bunch I think of you.  I'm glad you are at rest now cousin, no more pain, What a party it must be up there with all our family whos passed on, this isn't good but a see you later.  Love you cousin.

Our annual Christmas soup and gourmet grilled cheese sandwich lunch. Kiss my sweet Senor Bravo who so loved your lap.  You are already missed.

I first met Stephen in 1992 when we were cast members of Midsummer Night’s Dream. I relished his award-winning performance as Bottom every show. He was a wonderful comic actor & fun cast mate. I’m so glad we got to reconnect 2 years ago in a performance gig. He was delightful onstage & off. I’m so sad that our paths won’t cross again in this life, but so very glad I was able to work with him & share a bit of his too-short time here. 
- Suzanna Wellens

I will miss Stephen's laugh, great wit, and deep friendship.  He and I did a lot of theatre together with Hunger Artists and I'm blessed with wonderful memories of those times.   I know he is at peace now.  My deepest sympathies to all his family.  Kathryn Gray, Denver, CO

Stephen, your cousin Kenny will miss you with your friendly smile and great attitude man, RIP dude!

I first saw Stephen at the long-lost Aladdin Theater in Denver (at the corner of Colfax and York) in a production of 'The Mikado' (I think - it was a long time ago).  He blew me away with his performance.  I could not believe my luck when I actually had the opportunity to work with Stephen.  He auditioned for 'Eye of the Beholder' and was excellent!  I directed Stephen again in 'Pass the Butler'.  Yes, the play has some problems (the biggest of which was me) but Stephen was not one of them. 
Stephen was not only highly talented, but also a wonderful person.  I enjoyed our lunches together when he worked at CDLE.  His passing deeply impacted me.
Keep blowing them away, wherever you are!
I am forever grateful to having been highly privileged to have met, worked with, talked with, and known Stephen.  What a wonderful human being!
Thank you, Stephen!

I first met Stephen when we were cast in The Normal Heart.  I thought he didn't like me. Then we did Women Behind Bars and had the BEST time. Thus began a long line of collaborations including costuming him in a pink Lucy Van Pelt dress (pictured).  I moved out of state in 2005, so I've rarely seen him since, but I still quote him (and many of his characters).  To paraphrase one of those shows: "Mira, mira, Guadalupe. I hope you have a lovely vacation in Section TEN!"

I had the great privilege of being a part of Hunger Artists with Stephen. His brilliance was apparent in so many productions. Stephen would never agree with me, but his Hercule Poirot was the best ... he thought the big name actors were better, but it was Stephen 1000%! Women Behind Bars was an extraordinary experience with Stephen and his bestie Merrill and the beloved Jeremy and Curt...I have never laughed as hard. Stephen made every show a joy with his humor and stories. I know he is happier with his parents and most loved friends Merrill and Jay.

The Lisbon Traviata, the Ghost in Cloud 9, Pompey in Measure for Measure, Hercule Poirot in Black Coffee, and humor, wisdom, and love always behind the scenes, too!  Let our comrades in the theatre community write remembrances of the shows I missed!❤️

Sad to learn of Stephen's death. May his memory be a blessing.

My dear cousin Steve,
No more suffering, no more pain.  You are now in your happy place with your mom and dad. Just where you want to be.
I’ll keep your sister out of trouble. We will not frequent the cocktail lounge, but we will wear our skirts, sweaters and cha cha heels in your memory.
Rest in peace Steve. Not good bye, but see you later. 💙

Steve was a talented actor. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Joannn, so very  sorry for the loss of your brother. 
Stephen will be dearly missed at our Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.  The way he called bingo was hilarious. He was such a good sport.  Sorry we didn’t get to have our lunch date. This is not goodbye but till we meet again ❤️Give my momma a big hug!

OBITUARY

Stephen Joseph Maestas

November 30, 1959 – August 30, 2024

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Highland

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