DECEMBER 26, 1941 ~ DECEMBER 1, 2023

Steven Martin Tellis bid farewell to this world on December 1, 2023 in Winston-Salem. Born in Bronx, New York on December 26, 1941 to the late Edward Tellis and Belle Weiner Tellis, he spent his formative years in Ohio before the family’s move to New York, where his journey was defined by dedication, warmth, and an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

After graduating high school, he dove head first into the world of emergency services, as a fire dispatcher; a role he committed to until his retirement. He wore his firetruck knowledge like a badge of honor and turned Fire Station visits into thrilling escapades for his grandchildren.

Beyond the professional sphere, Steve was a storyteller extraordinaire. His friends could write a novel about his Ohio childhood and Bronx tales. The man had more stories than a library (and trust us, he shared them often, and generously). He also had a green thumb and could make plants flourish like it was nobody’s business. Even when he and his wife decided to settle into Independent living, Steve transformed their patio into a botanical wonderland full of beautiful plants and flowers. Their patio was the envy of the neighborhood. When he wasn’t cultivating a garden, Steve’s intellectual curiosity was evident in his passion for reading and solving word puzzles. He was a walking, talking, encyclopedia of trivia, the kind of guy you’d want on your team during game night. Despite being a source of random knowledge, it was his compassionate nature that truly defined him. He was a selfless neighbor who was always ready to extend a helping hand. His caring spirit reached superhero levels, especially when it came to his wife, Mary. He was dedicated to ensuring Mary had everything she wanted and needed, making Steve the unsung hero of their love story.

Steve leaves behind his beloved wife of 42 years, Mary Campo Tellis; stepdaughters, Grace Grasso, Rosanna Scheffel, and Barbara Zarrella; grandchildren, Jackie, Christina (Curtis), Matthew (Mandy), Ian (Sandy), and Anthony (ShRhonda); great-grandchildren, Jake, Ava, Adam, Emma, Caroline, Kale, and Sienna; sisters, Barbara (Richard) Shapiro and Lenore (Roger) Cooper; nephew, Greg; niece, Michelle; and many other loved ones.

A celebration of Steve’s life will take place at Harmony at Brookberry Farm, a fitting tribute to a man who found harmony in the simplicity of a well-told story, a flourishing garden, and the enduring love of family. Rest in peace, Steve, may your stories echo through the cosmos and your afterlife be filled with laughter, lush gardens, and eternal crossword puzzles.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Forsyth Humane Society.