Dear Szymoniak family,

Although I did not know Stephen my heart breaks and goes out to you for your tremendous loss. I feel we never lose the people we love. They live the rest of our lives with us in our heart. May time and your memories bring you healing and peace.

My deepest sympathies,

Gail (Szymoniak) Nelson

Dear Amy & Stephen & family,

Amy I don't know if you remember me. I was a Social Worker at BGH and we worked together on many adoptions and got to know one another, talked about family and life in general. I am so saddened for the loss of your precious, beautiful son Stephen. It sounds like he struggled with life, and in turn a parent never rests, never stops worrying. My heart truly aches for you. I know people say this, but I TRULY mean this..if you would like to talk, need another shoulder, please, please don't hesitate. You'll have my email from this post. Please be gentle with yourselves..

My heartfelt love,

Mary Lynn Acee

Dear Amy, Steve, and family,

We are thinking of you with the deepest of sympathy and sending you the warmest of condolences. Stephen was a wonderful friend and neighbor, and he will be sorely missed. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Lauren, Michael, Lisa, and Skip <3

We just learned this morning of this loss and we are so sorry to hear this news. Please know that your family is in our prayers. We will keep you in our thoughts at this difficult time. Please know there are many who love you and wish that you did not have to endure this loss, us among them.

Death is nothing at all-

I have only slipped away into the next room. Whatever we were to each other that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name; speak to me in the easy way, which you always used to, laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, and pray for me. Let my name be the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight? I am but waiting for your, for an interval, somewhere very near just around the corner. All is well. Nothing has passed; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before only better, infinitely happier and forever-we will all be one together with Christ.

(Tallow Carmel-Ireland)

Dear Amy, Steve and Family,

We are deeply saddened for your family. We extend our deepest sympathy to you during this time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Dear Amy and Steve: We are devastated to learn of your unimaginable loss. Please accept our deepest condolences. I can remember you waddling around Surrogate's Court in the days before your first baby was born. The sheer joy of his birth was so memorable for all your friends. I just cannot express how heartbroken we are. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and hearts. Cindy and Larry

Amy, Steve, Grace, Matthew -

Words cannot express how heartbreaking this news is. I can't begin to fathom what you're feeling right now. My heart goes out, and it aches for each one of you.

Please know that I will always cherish every memory I shared with Stephen throughout our teenage years and will hold on dearly to the great times I spent with your family. These are things I'll think about for the rest of my life.

From our very first dates and dances, dinners on Oakgrove and Brompton, the (hundreds?) of car rides we shared when Amy and Steve were the only parents who would drive to the movies on Transit, the endless hours him and I would spend at Wegmans just talking about our future over packaged sushi, the excitement of getting our licenses and lifeguarding certificates, him turning me into a Dave Matthews fan, the thousands of hours Peter, Evan, Hooper, Emmett and I spent growing up in your home... the list goes on.

It was probably late eighth grade when Stephen and I first started "talking." In typical 2000's fashion, it was over AIM, and we bonded over music shared via LimeWire. Music has a way of bringing kids together, we lacked the emotional maturity to articulate our feelings, and us sending songs back and forth was the best way to express what we couldn't yet say. I'll never forget the message from StevoBambino sharing Motorcycle Drive By. I listened to that song on repeat for weeks, absorbing the lyrics with him in mind.

"You smile, and say the world doesn't fit with you

I don't believe you, you're so serene

Careening through the universe

Your axis on a tilt, you're guiltless and free

I hope you take a piece of me with you"

I hope Stephen is truly free now. And I hope he also has a piece of all of us with him, while he's flying free.

I hope you can treasure the good memories. I hope you find comfort in knowing he has now found peace.

My very deepest condolences,

Kat

Dear Szymoniak family,

I am so sorry to hear about Steve. Growing up, I had always loved going to Buffalo and because I was always with Emmett, Steve was always a great friend to have. I enjoyed hanging out with Steve and his presence was always welcoming and fun. His memory will live on as such. My prayers are with you, I'm sorry for your loss.

- John

Dear Amy & Steve , we were so saddened to hear of Steves passing and your family's loss. Please know that George & I are keeping a good thought for you all , and hope we can see you soon during better times Love,Karin Ernst and George Nicholas

Dear Amy and Steve, we were so heartbroken to read of Steve’s passing. We cherish our memories of the kids playing together on Monroe Drive, and remember what a sweet boy he was. We are thinking of the both of you, Gracie, and Matt during this very sad time and send our deepest condolences. Love, Dee Dee and Steve

To the entire Szymoniak family,

We were so saddened to learn of Steve’s passing. Justin and Steve truly had a special friendship. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May all of your cherished memories help to get you through your days ahead.

My condolences go out to the whole Szymoniak family in these sad times.

Steve and I were the best of friends for the better part of my childhood. We stuck together from Forest Elementary to Mill Middle to Canisius. I would say at times we were inseparable. I remember us having bets to see how many weekends in a row we could sleepover at each other's houses. From hanging out in Garrison Park to going to the convenience store at the end of the road day in and day out, I will always cherish these memories. Back then, there was no one else I'd rather hang out by the pool with, watch Entourage with, and get in trouble with. I had so much fun being your friend and I am glad that you were there with me every step of the way.

May the angels lead you into paradise Steve.

Love you bud,

Emmett