Stephen Jesson Getz of Norfolk passed away from multiple causes on Oct. 7 at Noble Horizons in Salisbury. He was 74 and lived in Norfolk with Peter Coffeen, his partner and husband of 46 years.

Steve spent his early life in Oklahoma and Kansas, graduating as valedictorian from Bacon College in Muskogee, Okla., where his father was president, and a Bachelor of Arts from Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kan. In Oklahoma, he lived among Native Americans and later traveled, with his parents and younger sister, to the Philippines and Southeast Asia where his father served as an agricultural minister for the American Baptist Church World Service. His father’s work gave Steve a sense of compassion and service. Later, he would use his family contacts while traveling around the world on a single ticket from PanAm.

After college, Steve took an administrative post at Roosevelt University in Chicago, Ill. There he was known for his administrative skills and diplomacy. His New York work history began with Joe Papp at the Public Theater, then several talent agencies, a major casting agency and Goldman Sachs. He left banking for a post in the business office at New York’s Little Red School House and later worked for 25 years in financial administration at Columbia University.

As a Norfolk resident, Steve volunteered his services as treasurer of the Norfolk Land Trust, the Norfolk Library and as bookkeeper for the Norfolk Historical Society. He worked the polls at every election and was an active member of the Lions Club.

Steve his predeceased by a brother, Will. In addition to his husband, he is survived by a younger sister, Ellen; two brothers, Bob and Jack, and assorted nieces and nephews.

Contributions in Steve’s memory may be sent to the Norfolk Lions Club Ambulance, PO Box 399, Norfolk, Conn., 06058.