Steven Nicholas Sappe

Steven Nicholas Sappe, 57, of Oak Island, North Carolina, passed away and went to the Lord on January 22, 2023. In addition to his parents, Nicholas and Patricia Sappe, he is preceded in death by his sister, Donna Hrozencik.

Steve was born in 1965 in Washington D.C. After graduating high school, Steve attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington, majoring in Economics and Finance. Steve knew people; specifically, how to read people. That attribute, coupled with his leadership and management skills, afforded him a successful and diverse career. For a time, Steve owned and operated Paleo Sun, a lively jazz club in Wilmington, NC. Later in life, he served as a general manager for a national home builder in the southeastern U.S. In recent years Steve indulged his creative side as an actor, first as an extra, and ultimately securing a small role in a made for TV movie. The latter role would define his show-biz stage name: “Popcorn Steve” became known to many both in the studio and on set. He happily embraced that moniker and enjoyed his brief acting career.

Steve enjoyed many hobbies. He was an avid sports fan and supporter of the Carolina Panthers, Washington Redskins and Baltimore Orioles. Steve and his son enjoyed vintage video game battles of Galaga, which would determine who currently held the title of “Starlord”, and gain possession of the coveted t-shirt depicting that very title. Steve’s family and friends regarded him as the “#1 Bartender,” a title which he proudly said he passed along to his daughter. He enjoyed cooking, music… and jokingly fancied himself a “master mechanic”. Both Steve and his neighbor would often work on their hotrods, get in over their heads, and only then reluctantly call an actual mechanic to bail them out. Steve’s passion for vintage automobiles was significant, and he possessed substantial knowledge on the subject. After a day of wrenching on his 1968 SS Impala, Steve could often be found relaxing in his favorite recliner and watching the news… all the while silently planning his next practical joke. Steve’s dry sense of humor consistently delivered.

While Steve never refused a friend in need and helped many, it was unquestionably family first. Despite his great many hours of work, often seven days per week, Steve was ever present and involved in the day to day lives of his wife and children. Steve always ensured the Sappe Family Vacations were well planned and filled with love and laughter. Steve felt his purpose in life was providing his family with unending love and support in every manner possible. He considered this responsibility paramount. He took extraordinary pride in being the emotional and physical rock of his family.

Surviving are his devoted wife of 29 years, Kristy Sappe; son Nicholas Sappe; daughter Haley Sappe; sister Debbi Hubley; brother Chris Sappe and his wife, Sandy; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends for Steven will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1155 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, North Carolina 28412, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM.

A celebration of life will follow at Wrightsboro Baptist Church Family Life Center.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CobleGreenlawn.com for the Sappe family.