Steven Baron

Mr. Steven "Steve" M. Baron, of East Brunswick, New Jersey, peacefully passed away in the company of family in Somerset, New Jersey at the age of 64.

Steve is survived by his wife, Janice; their children Brittany, David, Kevin, and David's wife, Jayne, and their children, Steve's cherished grandsons; as well as his mother, Gloria; and sister, Susan. Steve also leaves behind his adored canine companion, a loyal rescue border collie mix he named Dakota. He is preceded in death by his father, Martin.

Steve was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He attended Perth Amboy public schools alongside dear friend, Bryce. Steve later graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Jersey City State College, where he met his loving wife in a photography class. They went on to attend New York University together, and he graduated from there with a Master of Public Administration degree.

Over ten years, the couple welcomed three children into their family. Steve's children remember him as a curious, independent, and kind father who taught them to put integrity first and encouraged them to pursue their goals. Steve spent his own life in public service, beginning as a firefighter, and then shifting into law enforcement as a sheriff's deputy before going on to work for the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office as an arson task force investigator and later as a detective, where he was instrumental in computerizing the organization.  After retiring in 2004, Steve celebrated by taking an amazing 73-day road trip of the 48-contiguous United States and the District of Columbia with his eldest son David and his beloved chocolate Lab Sasha. Having already seen Hawaii as a young man, Steve drove to Alaska with Sasha in 2010 to polish off his goal of visiting all 50 states. 

Not one to stay still, Steve kept busy in retirement as a substitute teacher in the East Brunswick Public School system and a photojournalist for several local fire departments and news organizations.  He was an accomplished and passionate photographer. Steve was especially proud of his multiple photojournalism credits, which included capturing local events to documenting newsworthy incidents.  A "tech-guy," in retirement, Steve maintained a detailed web site that highlighted his professional photos along with a personal portfolio from his 2004 and 2010 road trips, and, of course, pictures of his Lab, Sasha.

Steve was a generous individual who loved spending time with his dogs and helping others. After Sasha passed in March 2015, Steve turned his grief into consolation for others by starting Sasha's Candle, a candle-making endeavor that helped many memorialize or celebrate a beloved pet.  He donated countless candles to dog rescue organizations, veterinarian staff, family, and friends.

Steve was an active and dedicated member of the therapy dog community with his rescue pup Dakota, whom he adopted after Sasha's passing, and they frequently volunteered at St. Peter's Hospital and CareOne Senior Living facility, where he loved seeing others share in the joy of a "Dakota Belly Rub!" 

For the safety and wellbeing of all in light of the current public health crisis, a private funeral service is scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2020, with cremation to take place shortly thereafter.  However, a memorial will be planned for a future date to celebrate Steve's life and allow friends and family to pay their respects. 

The family is grateful for the condolences, but in lieu of flowers, please donate to the organizations and charities Steve was passionate about supporting in life, especially St. Peter's Hospital (Volunteer Services - therapy dog team, https://www.saintpetershcs.com/Donate); St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate; or your local animal shelter/rescue. Condolences may sent directly to the family .

Steve's family would like to thank the St. Peter's Hospital doctors, nurses, pastoral and other caregivers and volunteers, and Somerset Woods Rehabilitation and Nursing Home for their care.

"My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am."

—Author Unknown

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