Steven Louis DelSesto, 75, of George Finnerty Road, Barrington, Rhode Island, died peacefully on March 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Nancy A. (Levasseur) DelSesto.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Louis and Agnes (D’Ambra) DelSesto, he lived in Barrington for 40 years.

Steve grew up in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood until his family moved to Santa Barbara, California at age 9. After attending high school in Santa Barbara he took classes at Santa Barbara City College in the automotive services program and then attended San Jose State University for an undergraduate and master’s degree in sociology.

Steve moved from California to the University of Southwest Louisiana in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he lived and worked as a sociologist studying Cajun culture. Following a few years there, he moved back to Rhode Island where he earned his PhD from Brown University. He taught at the Rhode Island School of Design and University of Rhode Island, and then became assistant professor of science, technology and society at Cornell University. He later worked as a researcher at the Russell Sage Foundation in New York City.

In 1983 Steve began a new career as a portfolio manager at Kidder Peabody in Providence. There, Steve developed a passion for following financial markets. He soon became Senior Vice President and stayed in his position for nearly 40 years, as the company was acquired by Paine Webber and then UBS. Steve loved helping his clients achieve their financial goals. For many years he had a recurring segment about investing on the local NBC morning news.

Steve married Nancy, and they moved to Barrington where they started a family and later built a home together. They especially enjoyed spending time in nature, with walks in the woods and nearby salt marshes. Nancy introduced Steve to Little Compton, RI. They spent each summer there, and Steve came to savor the country lifestyle.

Steve loved working on cars, and, later in life, his own motorcycles. He famously was able to identify the make and model of any car from the 60s or 70s. On weekends he could usually be found doing yard work or planning his next motorcycle touring route. Steve also had a deep fascination with history, particularly the World War II era.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Steve loved spending time with family. He took pride in his family’s accomplishments and had a story or advice for every situation. His family and everyone who knew him could count on Steve for support, guidance, and engaging conversation.

Besides his wife of 40 years he is survived by his two sons Michael DelSesto and Matthew DelSesto, two daughters-in-law Lindsey DelSesto and Megan DelSesto, two grandsons Leonardo DelSesto and Christian DelSesto. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert DelSesto. He is also survived by his brother Gerald DelSesto, his sister-in-law Tammy Taylor (Robert’s wife), and two nieces Alyssa DelSesto and Rebecca DelSesto.

The funeral services will be private. Calling hours and flowers are respectfully omitted.
Contributions can be made in Steve’s memory to the Cancer Research Institute at: https://www.cancerresearch.org/

All who knew Steve are invited to share personal memories, tributes, photos or messages before May 5.

Please post them at the memorial website: www.online-tribute.com/StevenDelSesto