A tribute to a one-of-a-kind uncle

Steven Etzkin, brother of Michael and Allan Etzkin, passed away on Oct. 10, 2021. Steve lived in Orlando for nearly ten years, retiring to Central Florida with his wife Patti, to be closer to family. It was only last August when Michael died and one year earlier, his other brother, Allan, died. The following was written by his nephew, Robby Etzkin, former executive director of the Roth Family JCC, in tribute to his uncle. Robby was gracious to share it with the Heritage readers.

Within 14 months, we've now lost my dad and both of his brothers. My Uncle Steve passed away in Orlando on Sunday, Oct. 10. A generation of Etzkins are now gone.

Some of my friends and colleagues know my Uncle Steve from his "working out" at the Orlando JCC. The quotes are because, as many of the staff can tell you, he would spend time in the Fitness center, but rarely ever did any significant exercising. He came as a dedicated, loving husband with his wife of 42 years, my Aunt Patti Etzkin, when she attended yoga classes. He was at the JCC more for the entertainment, and often times, he was the entertainment.

His favorite place at the JCC was the lobby, specifically the couches. Never one to shy away from attention, my Uncle Steve would vocally marvel at the preschool kids' straight lines as they traveled to and from the playground. He would always tell me that he couldn't figure out how we only had well-behaved, cute kids at our JCC. From his lobby couch, he also enjoyed giving any adult that would engage with him a run for their money with a quick one-liner from anything like the weather to whatever sports team shirt someone might have had on. He seemed to always have a story about every small town and every sports team. His quick wit and thick sarcasm were always on display. When he and my aunt joined the JCC, I warned him that his behavior could affect my job. I'm glad he listened ... most of the time.

While my Uncle Al (my dad's twin) taught me how to ride a bike, it was my Uncle Steve who was the first to teach me to drive stick. Sure, he put me on the road too quickly and left me to drive alone, on a big hill, in Oklahoma City ... and I might or might not have gotten my permit yet ... but those were the types of adventures we all loved with Uncle Steve. We'd push the limits and live to tell the tale.

He was Uncle Buck even before John Candy. I'll just leave it at that.

I will always remember my Uncle Steve's love of his family. I know that he loved all of my generation of Etzkins and the next, as if we were his own children and grandchildren, and was extremely proud of each of us. I will always admire his strength, which was on full display at my dad's funeral just two months ago. With stage four cancer, and having had one of his radiation treatments earlier that very morning, my Uncle Steve pulled together enough strength to stand and walk on his own, in horrible heat and humidity, and deliver a loving speech at his little brother's funeral service. Looking back, I don't think he did that for himself. I think he did it for all of us. It was one last public demonstration of how our family does for others.

I will miss my Uncle Steve, Uncle Al, and of course my father - a generation that is impossible to replace. I will however, carry on the many very positive traits they all possessed, and what it means to be an Etzkin.

My family and I appreciate all of the texts, facebook messages, phone calls, emails and donations made in memory of my father and my uncles over the last year and a half. The outpouring of love cherished stories, and fond memories shared with us continue to provide us all strength. Thank you also to the Heritage Florida Jewish News for the recent story on my father (Oct. 1, 2021 issue).

May all of their memories be for blessings to the many people and lives they positively touched and for many generations to come.