Steve H. Delai

Steven Hal Delai was born January 19, 1955, on Long Island, New York, to John Delai and Karlee Shostrom (née Collins). Steven, Steve, or STeve (with the hardest first syllable EVER if his wife was saying it) was raised in Herrin, Illinois. His childhood had that small-town Midwest feel where you knew every neighbor, attended the town's Italian festivals, and grew up with a lifelong aversion to locking your car doors. He was raised with his brother Michael and step-siblings Terri, Keith, Elaine, Karen, and Eric. He attended college at Southern Illinois University and later went on to the fire academy. After beginning his career in Illinois, he moved to South Florida and joined the Reservation Fire Department on September 1, 1982—which then became the Palm Beach County Fire Department on October 1, 1984. He worked there for 30 years, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief, and retired on June 29, 2012. A true eldest child and Capricorn, he was built for leadership. He met his wife, Ellen, through the fire service, and they were married in 1983. They went on to have three children: Devon (born 1984), Giana (born 1988), and John (born 1992). His children were never quite sure how to describe his job and were known to say, "I know he goes out to lunch and has meetings. He also keeps M&Ms at his desk." His hobbies included never finishing projects, working in the yard, talking to any employee of any establishment who would listen to him, and going to the gym to never actually work out—only to talk. Following his retirement, he found joy in spending time at his cabin in Blairsville, Georgia. He loved being outdoors, soaking in the hot tub, and relaxing by the fireplace. A consummate family man, he spent much of his time with his wife and children but could never be convinced that no one actually enjoyed road trips. He loved "the scenic route," his dogs, the History Channel, Oreos, microwave popcorn, and eschewing all vegetables. He was preceded in death by his father, John Delai. He is survived by his wife, Ellen, and his children Devon (Eric), Giana (Corey), and John (Michelle). He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Daniel, Aubrey, Camden, and Zoey. He passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025. The world is a sadder place without him, but we hope his spirit lives on in all who knew and loved him. Services will be held December 4th. The funeral will be held at Palms West Funeral Home and Crematory at 11am with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Wellington Community Center at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to VITAS Hospice or the Palm Beach County Firefighters Clinic. https://vitascommunityconnection.org PBC FF Employee Benefits Fund, 7240 7th Place, West Palm Beach, FL 33412