Ryan Nicol
Politicos from across the state are paying tribute after the unexpected passing of activist Stephen Gately.
Originally born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Gately made his mark on the Florida political scene. He spent several years as a field representative for U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, who is set to retire this year after serving Florida’s 15th Congressional District.
Gately also worked as a district assistant to state Rep. Mike La Rosa of House District 42. In 2011, Gately was listed as a Pinellas County co-chair for the Mitt Romney presidential campaign in Florida.
Former U.S. Rep. David Jolly offered up a heartfelt message after news of Gately’s passing was confirmed. “Florida politics has lost an impassioned voice and public servant,” said Jolly in a statement.
“Stephen Gately fought hard for his convictions, believed in service, & endeared himself to many, including this former Congressman. We often agreed, often sparred, but were always friends. God bless you brother.”
Florida politics has lost an impassioned voice and public servant. Stephen Gately fought hard for his convictions, believed in service, & endeared himself to many, including this former Congressman. We often agreed, often sparred, but were always friends. God bless you brother.
— David Jolly (@DavidJollyFL) July 27, 2018
Jolly was just one of several throughout the state to share their memory of Gately and his work. He was remembered as “honorable,” a “true friend” and a “patriot.”
I am truly heartbroken to share the news that a genuine American patriot, Stephen Gately, has departed this earth. He was a compassionate, principled activist. He will be missed by the many, many people whose lives he impacted. pic.twitter.com/va5DVbHQvE
— Peter Schorsch (@PeterSchorschFL) July 27, 2018
Cindy and I have a heavy heart this morning with passing of our dear friend Stephen Gately, a true friend and patriot.
Stephen has made a tremendous impact on our lives and countless others, and we are grateful for his service on behalf of our state and district.
— Dennis Ross (@DennisRossSEU) July 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/Reaganista/status/1022866079864037377
https://twitter.com/alansuskey/status/1022698598612590594
My condolences to the family and loved ones of Stephen Gately. Stephen always represented the office of Congressman Dennis Ross with humility and professionalism. He was always a good source of conversation and loved our country. May Stephen Rest In Peace forever.
— Luis Viera (@CouncilmanViera) July 27, 2018
So saddened by the passing of my friend Stephen Gately. We’ve campaigned together for nearly a decade, including across state lines. He was always kind and a true grassroots patriot. He will be missed.
-Revelation 21:4 #FlaPol pic.twitter.com/noPkxxwyCJ
— Berny Jacques (@bernyjacques) July 27, 2018
Florida lost a true patriot last evening. Stephen Gately was a true public servant and possibly the kindest person in politics. He never had a negative thing to say about anyone and was always willing to pitch in… https://t.co/5bgwJ2HgWw
— Nick DiCeglie (@NickDiCeglie) July 27, 2018
Others reached out to Florida Politics directly to offer their remembrances of Gately’s life and impact.
“Stephen was one of the first people who believed in me as a high school student looking to get involved with campaigns and local politics,” Nicholas Bique, who now works for the Republican Party of Florida and was mentored by Gately.
“He treated everyone with warmth and kindness. Every time I talked to him, he made me feel important, even walking through the halls of Congress and he made you feel your worth. You could sense his genuine care and interest. He’s been a role model of mine for a long time.”
Edward Briggs of RSA Consulting Group added a statement on behalf of the organization. “Stephen Gately was not only a civic leader and patriot, but a true friend to everyone at RSA. Words cannot express how saddened we are to see him go. Stephen always brightened the room with his sincere candor, wisdom, and true passion for politics. His loss has left a huge hole in all our hearts.”
Kyle Glenn, who works as chief of staff for Rep. Ross, called Gately a “tremendous friend and all-around great guy.”
“Stephen Gately lived and breathed politics,” added state Rep. Chris Latvala.
“He was like no one I have ever known in that regard. He never got sick or cynical of it and was steadfast in his beliefs and convictions. He really was everywhere at once. Other than fighting for his principles and party, he never had any personal ambitions that I knew of. He leaves behind many friends on both sides of the aisle and I am going to miss him. Rest easy my friend.”
“I got to know Stephen over the years as someone who was not only passionate about politics, but also compassionate for constituents of all political parties,” said WTSP’s Noah Pransky.
“He was principled, but also had the ability to see beyond party. We could use more Stephen Gately’s in politics.”
A memorial service will be held at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood Chapel in Tampa on August 3 at 5:30 p.m. Gately was 37 years old.
9 comments
Karen Stiver
July 27, 2018 at 5:15 pm
Stephen is my son and I want to thank you all for your kind words. We spent most of the last two months together since his heart attack and he was thrilled to have lost 75 lb and was looking forward to a much healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately his heart was damaged too much but he was feeling well and walking daily. Cherish every moment with those you love.
Scott E. High
July 30, 2018 at 8:41 am
Hello Ms. Stiver. I was a classmate of Stephen’s at the FBI Citizen’s Academy and was introduced to him by another friend of his, Lauren Matthews. I didn’t know Stephen very well but then again you didn’t have to. He was always smiling and entered a room with a burst of positive energy. My sympathies to you and your family.
Lisa Phillips
July 30, 2018 at 9:57 am
Karen and family, what a wonderful tribute to Stephen from his colleagues. You must be so proud. As your heart is heavy, he is smiling down on you and giving you the strength to get through the days. Love Always
Gloria Neiger Bushong
July 27, 2018 at 9:11 pm
Sorry to hear of his passing. He was a sweet guy.
Victor Story
July 28, 2018 at 4:44 pm
What a great, compassionate Man.
Always there at every function in the areas He had a interest in, listening, learning what was important to those He talked to.
By every standard we have to judge, He’s in Paradise Today.
Diane Fleming
July 28, 2018 at 11:18 pm
Stephen was loved by everyone. He was so kind and smart and dedicated. He was one of a kind.
Tiffany Schry
July 29, 2018 at 1:26 am
Ms. Stiver:
I am so sorry for your loss.
I loved your son. He was always a person you could count on, a face in a crowded room of political leaders, The RPOF quarterly meetings, REC meetings, various events related to our mutual support of our candidates and I was always thrilled to see him. I had someone I could talk to and trust. He was so sweet. I just came across this now and I am in shock writing this. He was a genius.
I only moved to Tampa two and a half years ago and knew no one. We sat together at the last Reagan barbecue which only feels like yesterday. I was so happy he was there and we sat next to the Matt Caldwell’s for Commissioner of Agriculture table. Matt sat with me, Matt and my boyfriend. He was at a meeting where Sheriff Chad Chronister spoke. He just made me feel a part of the community. I wish I could turn back time to spend more time with him. He was great company. I would give a great big hug and a kiss on his cheek like I always did when I saw him. I’m just so sorry for your loss as well as your family. He is not only your loss but a loss to the community. He would do anything for anybody. He was just sweet young man. I can’t believe it was only 39. God be with him and you also.
Tiffany Schry
July 29, 2018 at 1:33 am
Ms. Stiver:
I am so sorry for your loss.
I loved your son. He was always a person you could count on, a face in a crowded room of political leaders, The RPOF quarterly meetings, REC meetings, various events related to our mutual support of our candidates and I was always thrilled to see him. I had someone I could talk to and trust. He was so sweet. I just came across this now and I am in shock writing this. He was a genius.
I only moved to Tampa two and a half years ago and knew no one. We sat together at the last Reagan barbecue which only feels like yesterday. I was so happy he was there and we sat next to the Matt Caldwell’s for Commissioner of Agriculture table. Matt sat with me, Matt sat down with Stephen, my boyfriend, Jason and me and we were talking and laughing about non-political related stuff. He was at a meeting where Sheriff Chad Chronister spoke. He was always at the Federated Womens meetings at Terri and Dov Sussmans firm. He was very active . He just made me feel a part of the community. I wish I could turn back time to spend more time with him. He was great company. I would give a great big hug and a kiss on his cheek like I always did when I saw him. I’m just so sorry for your loss as well as your family. He is not only your loss but a loss to the community. He would do anything for anybody. He was just sweet young man. I can’t believe it was only 39. God be with him and you also. xoxo
Tiffany Schry
July 29, 2018 at 1:36 am
Ms. Stiver:
I am so sorry for your loss.
I loved your son. He was always a person you could count on, a face in a crowded room of political leaders, The RPOF quarterly meetings, REC meetings, various events related to our mutual support of our candidates and I was always thrilled to see him. I had someone I could talk to and trust. He was so sweet. I just came across this now and I am in shock writing this. He was a genius.
I only moved to Tampa two and a half years ago and knew no one. We sat together at the last Reagan barbecue which only feels like yesterday. I was so happy he was there and we sat next to the Matt Caldwell’s for Commissioner of Agriculture table. Matt sat with me, Matt sat down with Stephen, my boyfriend, Jason and me and we were talking and laughing about non-political related stuff. He was at a meeting where Sheriff Chad Chronister spoke. He was always at the Federated Womens meetings at Terri and Dov Sussmans firm. He was very active in the Republican Party I will miss him dearly. He just made me feel a part of the community. I wish I could turn back time to spend more time with him. He was great company. I would give a great big hug and a kiss on his cheek like I always did when I saw him. I’m just so sorry for your loss as well as your family. He is not only your loss but a loss to the community. He would do anything for anybody. He was just such a sweet young man. I can’t believe it was only 39. God be with him and you also. xoxo
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