Steven S. Carter

Steven Carter Obituary

Steven S. Carter, (U.S. Air Force, Ret.) age 66, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 30 in Colorado Springs after suffering a heart attack during the start of his vacation in Colorado while road bicycling with his daughter, Olivia. Steven S. Carter was born on December 4, 1942 in New York City, New York to the late Edward and Isabelle (Najarian) Carter. He graduated from Central High School in Greene, New York in 1960 and attended the Air Force Academy and graduated in 1965. He served 21 years active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a flight navigator for C-130's stationed mainly at Rhein Main AB, Germany with a brief duty station at Langley AFB, VA. He was also a decorated Vietnam veteran. Mr. Carter earned his Masters in Aviation Management with Embry Riddle University, and continued his aviation career as a Flight Engineer with Jeppesen in Germany and as a Flight Dispatch Operator HQ USAFE, AMOCC at Ramstein before his retirement in 2006. His Air Force decorations include Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Four Silver Stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Distinguished/Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry with Palm Device and Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal. He was married to Cynthia â€œHiaâ€� Sebastian who is employed by Department of Defense Dependent Schools at Ramstein AFB, Germany and they have one daughter, Olivia Sebastian, of Colorado Springs. He is survived by his cousins, Dick (Sue) Najarian, Jack (Trenna) Najarian, Isabelle (Phil) Martin, Gladys & Anna Nedzorian, Steve pre-deceased (Chris) Najarian and Mike Kirkjohn. He is also survived by his extended Air Force family of bicycling and skiing friends in Colorado, Germany and around the world. Steven participated in a wide variety of sports of paragliding, windsurfing, downhill and cross country skiing, and road bicycling, being among his favorites. Steven represented the U.S. Air Force in the USAFE Ski Championships in Europe in the 1980's, the British Services and Swiss Officer Ski Championships during active duty where his many ski friends began the group, and it continues today, known as â€œThe Dirty Dozenâ€�. Steven was a â€œsocialâ€� activist known for his quick wit, charm, intellect and daredevil ways. His positive zest for life, taking the time to enjoy â€œthe momentâ€� and his smile will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was truly a wonderful human being. A Memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, July 6, 2009 at the Air Force Academy Chapel followed by a graveside Inurnment at the cemetery. A celebration of his life will follow with a reception.

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Published by The Gazette on Jul. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Carter

1 Entry

Patricia Carter

July 5, 2009

Dear Hia and Olivia,
We never met and this is a little awkward for me, but I really want to tell you how difficult it was for me to learn of Steve's passing. Because of that, I know, of course, how much more difficult it is for you. I'm glad that Steve had a network of friends, many of whom we shared, that could send this devastating news to all of us who cared about him. Having shared a life with Steve at one time, I know, as you do, the kind of person he was, and I don't need to expound on his special qualities and attributes that endeared him to so many. I can only tell you how very sorry I am for your loss, and how happy I am for the three of you for the bond that you forged these past years that I'm sure brought all of you much joy and many fun and exciting times. For Steve, I'm happy that he was doing something active and outdoorsy when the heart attack struck, and Olivia, though it had to be so hard on you, I'm glad he wasn't alone but with someone he loved. That will also be a comfort to you, that you were there with him and for him. To you both and to the rest of Steve's family, I send my deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences... Take care of yourselves.
Most sincerely,
Pat Carter

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