Steve Lorenze, Jr., 88, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, Friday, January 17, 2025. He was born January 26, 1936, in Morgantown, a son of the late Steve Lorenze, Sr. and Florence Lucci Lorenze.
Steve graduated from Morgantown High School in 1954. It was there that he met his beloved wife, Ginger Sanders Lorenze, who proceeded him in death in 2010. They were married for 55 years and had three children: Cindy, Jerry and Gregg.
Steve was a local businessman. He worked with his parents at Superior Photo, Inc. until purchasing Suburban Lanes in 1965. In 1970, he purchased the Old Mill Club, a popular Morgantown restaurant. Steve also established Emerson Lanes in Parkersburg in 1973 and Eastland Lanes in Colombus, Ohio, in the late 1970s.
He served as president of the West Virginia Bowling Proprietors’ Association for two terms. He was inducted into the West Virginia State Bowling Hall of Fame.
Steve was one of the developers of the Waterfront Hotel (now Marriott Hotel) and adjacent areas of the Warf section of Morgantown. Steve was the owner of Kegler’s Sports Bar and Stefanos Restaurant in Morgantown. He was also involved with commercial development in Morgantown, Parkersburg, and Clarksburg.
He was a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, and a member of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church.
He was passionate about the state of West Virginia and was an avid supporter of West Virginia University Sports.
Travel was another great joy of his, especially the trips he took with Ginger to Norcia, Italy. Those visits spent with his Italian relatives were some of their most treasured memories. His friendships were built on fun, loyalty, and true connection, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Steve and Ginger were known for their generous spirit and unwavering dedication to helping those in need, especially the children at the WVU Children’s Hospital. Their contributions and support have made a lasting impact on the lives of many, and their legacy of kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.
He is survived by his children, Cindy (Bob) Myers, Jerry (Shera) Lorenze, and Gregg (Shelley) Lorenze, all of Morgantown. He was a loving grandfather to Matt (Jennifer) Myers, Kristen Myers, Dr. Alyssa (Anthony Giambrone) Lorenze, Stephanie Lorenze, Natalie Lorenze, Alexis (Zachary) Warder, Kaitlin (Hunter) Woods, and Chloe Lorenze; as well as great-grandfather to Ginger and Lillian Myers, Hayes Woods, and Wilder Cole. He is also survived by a sister, Sandy (Pat) Rundle; a brother, James (Alice) Lorenze; and a favorite uncle and best buddy, Augie Lucci.
The family would like to thank Betty Mayhew, Karen Collier, and WV Caring for their compassionate care.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, in St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Star City, and will continue from 10 until the 11 a.m. Funeral Mass Thursday, January 23, with Fr. John McDonough and Fr. John V. DiBacco as co-celebrants. Entombment will follow in St. Mary Peace Gardens Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged, in Steve’s memory, to WVU Children’s Hospital or St. Mary Roman Catholic Church.
Caring services are being provided by Dering-Henson Funeral Home.
Condolenses can be offered to the family at www.dering-henson.com
