Steven Ivan Rees

It is with heavy hearts we say goodbye to Steven Ivan Rees who passed away from a short illness on June 30, 2024. His sense of humor and happy smile will be greatly missed. It lightens our grief knowing that he will be with his wonderful mother, who cared for him so diligently and lovingly and whom he missed so very much.

Steve was born April 20, 1946 in Oakland CA, to his biological father, Keith Rees, and later adopted by Guiseppe and Maude Bowcut Pistoia. Having been born developmentally disabled, God insured he was taken care of by giving him to the best mother possible. Because of his various handicaps he was placed in the Utah State Training School so he could acquire as much education as possible to develop a higher degree of success and independence, which he ultimately achieved. His mother, Maude, was a staunch advocate for the mentally and physically handicapped individuals and participated in every aspect of his education, ensuring his life was filled with love and everything else necessary to instill independence and ensure as normal a life as possible. Her mission was accomplished with great success.

He was a member of the LDS Church and participated in numerous activities including the Boy Scouts Program, spending many joyful times in that organization. He participated in the Special Olympics yearly, attaining many medals which he displayed proudly. He enjoyed bowling and swimming, but his favorite activity was watching the WWE and cheering on his favorite wrestlers, at times, being extremely vocal. Watching him made everyone smile. He loved putting puzzles together and did so with great concentration and skill. Steve enjoyed a life filled with love, acceptance and success, due to his family’s diligent care. After his mother’s passing, Steve resided in a group home at 1135 Orchard Avenue run by Future Through Choices. Here he experienced an atmosphere of learning and independence. We would like to thank Jessie and her staff for their exceptional care of Steve. He was employed through Enable Industries for over 20 years at Levolor and Autoliv.

He is survived by his adoptive brother, Joseph M. Pistoia who took over as his guardian and caretaker after his mother’s passing. His nephew, T.J. Pistoia (Shari), nieces; Sadee Pistoia, Jodee Lepelley, of Ogden, Ut, Great-nieces; McCayla Artega (AJ), Mississippi, McCinly Folkman (Ben), Billings, MT, Great-nephews; Braxton LePelley, Ogden, Ut., Bronson LePelley, Oregon. His various great-great nephews and nieces; Charlotte and Mack Artega, Ryree and Richland Folkman and Bronx Lepelley.

He was preceded in death by his biological Father, Keith Rees, Adoptive Mother and Father Maude Bowcut Pistoia, and Guiseppe (Joe) Pistoia.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd, Ogden, Ut, 84403