Cover photo for Steven Kelly Rose's Obituary
Steven Kelly Rose Profile Photo

Steven Kelly Rose

June 4, 1963 — September 22, 2025

Steven Rose, a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, godfather, and public servant, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication. He was married to the love of his life, Therese (Reardon) for 28 years, often reminding others that "marriage is a marathon!"-a sentiment he lived by with grace and humor.

Steve was proud to be a loving father to Coletta, John, and Colleen. He believed fatherhood was his most important job, and he embraced it with boundless love, energy and humor, Whether walking at Patterson's with his children and dogs, sharing cider and donuts, going to the movies with his children, attending countless track meets, volleyball, basketball, football, baseball and lacrosse games, or teaching his kids how to fix household problems with YouTube tutorials, Steve's love for his family was evident in every moment. Steve always put his family before himself.

He was a loving son to Doris (Berguson) and Jack, and beloved son-in-law to Tim and Elaine Reardon. He was a cherished brother to Ken (Marge), Jamie (Dolly), and Chris Borsellino (Sam), brother-in-law to Ed Reardon and Mike Reardon (Amy), and a favorite uncle to Michael, Marisa, Matthew, Emily, Sam, Tony, Gina, Luke, Sean, and Kate, as well as godfather to Sean and Eric. Steve's warmth and humor made him a treasured presence in every life he touched.

Steve was raised in Cleveland Heights and graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1982. He was a proud member of Trigam (GGG) Fraternity and played varsity football. He was named Cleveland Heights High School in 1982, Tiger of the Year.

Steve proudly served in the National Guard and dedicated 30 years of service to the Solon Police Department, beginning in January 1991 and retiring in June 2021. He loved his job deeply, often saying, "If you love your job, you never work a day in your life." His career was filled with humorous stories and heroic moments, including a 2006 traffic stop where he single-handedly apprehended an armed and dangerous suspect, preventing potential tragedy with courage and skill.

Throughout his career, Steve served as a Detective, Advanced Patrol Officer, and Community Relations Officer. He received numerous Letters of Appreciation from residents, businesses, and fellow law enforcement agencies, along with commendations for physical fitness, forensic evidence collection, and exceptional service. In the mid-1990s, he was nominated to a shift "Dream-Team" for his comic relief-a testament to his ability to bring joy even in the toughest moments.

Steve's love for life extended to his annual family trips to Emerald Isle, NC, where traditions were sacred: stopping at Tamarack in West Virginia on the way to Emerald Isle, setting up elaborate beach camps, walking to the pier, playing beach Bocce, grilling out, and visiting Beaufort, the Aquarium, the Maritime Museum, and the Sanitary Restaurant. These annual summer trips were filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.

Steve found joy in the simple things, cutting the lawn, solving problems with ingenuity, and spending time with those he loved. His legacy is one of service, strength, faith, and deep devotion to family and community.

Steven Kelly Rose will be remembered not only for what he did, but for how he made people feel-safe, loved, and always laughing. His marathon of love and service continues in the hearts of all who knew him.

Contributions in memory of Steve suggested to St. Anselm School, 13013 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026. Please meet for the Mass of Christian Burial Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at St. Anselm Catholic Church at 11 AM. Committal prayers following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Steve at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just East of Green Rd.) SUNDAY AFTERNOON 2-6 PM.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Steven Kelly Rose, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Visitation

Sunday, September 28, 2025

2:00 - 6:00 pm (Eastern time)

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DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home

4600 Mayfield Rd.
South Euclid, OH 44121

*Standard text messaging rates apply.

Mass of Christian Burial

Monday, September 29, 2025

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

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*Standard text messaging rates apply.

Graveside Service

Monday, September 29, 2025

Starts at 12:30 pm (Eastern time)

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