Obituary of Steven F. Preston

Steve "Snapper" Preston was born May 31, 1957, and he entered the gate of Heaven on December 26, 2023, being met by his best friend and firefighter partner, Hugh Stevenson.  He is predeceased by his parents, Stuart and Shirley Preston, and brother, Scott.  

Steve is survived by his wife, Carol; step daughter, Jennifer (Rob) Ashley; grandchildren, Julia (Jake) Mason, Liam Ashley and pets, Boots and Snickers; his sister-in-law, Judy Bush, brothers-in-law, Larry Allen, Mike (Mary Anne) Allen, Patrick (Maryann) Didas; his aunt, Carol Searing, cousins, Robert (Linda) Searing and their children, Tracy (Brett) Apthorpe, and several nephews and a niece; his very best friend, Dave Warren, who donated a kidney to Steve and gave him 5 more years to enjoy life, and all of his brother firefighters from Penfield and Brighton. 

He will be forever known as "Snapper", and the reason will always be a mystery.  Steve graduated from the Culinary Institute of America as a gourmet chef.  He loved the Adirondacks, hockey, hunting and concerts.  H enjoyed having summer picnics with his friends and neighbors.   Anyone who knew him probably has a "Snapperism" to tell.  He began his career as a firefighter in 1972 for 3 years as a Fire Explorer and was a lieutenant in the Explorers, and in 1975, he became a career firefighter with Brighton Fire Department.  Snapper retired after 25 years and became a volunteer at Brighton Fire Department. He also became a 25 year volunteer in the Penfield Fire Company.  Steve was involved in numerous committees in both fire departments. 

Steve served 10 years with the National Bone Marrow Program as a volunteer delivering bone marrow and stem cells throughout the United States.  The requirements of 4 trips a year was exceeded by him making 115 trips in 10 years. He was a generous friend and philanthropist to the Veterans Outreach Center giving so much love and support to our veterans. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 27, 2024, at the Penfield Fire Department, 1838 Penfield Road, Penfield, NY.  The gathering for "Snapper" will begin at 12:00 p.m. with a service at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Veterans Outreach Center, 447 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620 or to Shepherd Home Hospice, 1959 Five Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY 14526.