Robert Stephen Marston, affectionately known as "Steve," passed away at the age of 73, peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones and his beloved cat companions, Zoro and Polo. He leaves behind a family forever changed by his absence and forever enriched by his presence.

Steve's story began in New Market, Virginia, where he grew up surrounded by family, love, and the familiar comforts of a close-knit community. Those early years helped shape the man everyone came to know, a person who valued connection, loyalty, and the importance of staying close to the people who mattered most. The family later settled in Timberville, Virginia, where Steve continued to build a life full of meaningful relationships and lasting memories.

He was a proud graduate of Broadway High School's Class of 1972 and remained deeply connected to his classmates throughout the years. Steve looked forward to class reunions, where old friendships were rekindled, stories were shared, and his humor and personality reminded everyone why he was so unforgettable.

Steve was one of those rare individuals who could light up a room without ever seeking the spotlight. His quick wit, unmistakable sense of humor, and natural showmanship made every gathering brighter. Whether he was telling a story, delivering the perfect one-liner, or making those around him laugh until they cried, Steve had a gift for bringing joy to others.

While he never sought recognition, Steve quietly became one of the family's constants. A steady presence whose love, loyalty, and guidance were woven into the fabric of countless lives. He was the silent patriarch of the family in every way that mattered: the keeper of stories, sometimes secrets, the one who remembered birthdays and traditions, and the person others instinctively turned to for comfort, perspective, or simply a laugh when they needed one most.

Long before playlists and streaming, Steve was setting the soundtrack. In the 1980s, Belle Meade wasn't just a place to dance; it was where Steve came to life. Whether he was spinning records as "The Silver Fox" or "The Wolf Man" or stealing the spotlight on the dance floor himself, he knew exactly how to keep the party going. Equal parts entertainer, comedian, and showman, Steve never met a stranger and rarely left a room without making someone laugh. If there was music playing, chances were Steve was at the center of it, making sure everyone else was having just as much fun as he was.

Behind the laughter and showmanship was a man who believed in the value of hard work. Steve dedicated many years to Rocking-R-Hardware, where he earned the respect and friendship of those who worked alongside him. He also spent countless hours at his brother's hair salon, Hair Fashions by Michael, after obtaining his cosmetology license, not because he had to, but because that was where life happened. The salon was more than a business; it was a gathering place where lifelong friendships were celebrated, new friendships were made, and no one left without a story or a laugh. Steve was often at the center of it all, greeting everyone like family, keeping the conversation flowing, and making sure there was never a dull moment.

Steve had a special appreciation for beauty, companionship, and a little bit of glamour. He proudly entered the world of Persian cats, showing his beloved cats through the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) under his cattery name, Mardala. With the same dedication and attention to detail he brought to everything he loved, Steve poured his heart into his cats and the friendships he made within the showing community.

Never one to stay far from a stage or the spotlight, Steve also shared his talents and eye for presentation through his involvement with Rockingham County Pageants, where he served as a judge and supported the young people and events that brought the community together. Whether evaluating a beautiful Persian cat, judging a pageant contestant, or simply sharing his opinion with his signature humor and confidence, Steve brought enthusiasm, fairness, and a flair all his own.

Steve lived with grace, resilience, and a generous heart. Like many of his generation, there were parts of himself that remained deeply personal. Yet those fortunate enough to know him well understood that his capacity to love, his compassion, and his authenticity spoke louder than words ever could. His greatest legacy is not found in what he said about himself, but in the kindness, laughter, and unwavering care he gave so freely to those around him.

In the final chapter of his life, Steve showed the same strength and determination that defined him throughout the years. Given a timeline that many thought would be much shorter, Steve did what Steve always did: he proved people wrong. He fought with incredible courage, stubborn determination, and the same spark that carried him through a lifetime of challenges. He cherished every extra moment, every conversation, every laugh, and every opportunity to spend time with the people he loved.

Steve's journey was a testament to his resilience and his refusal to let circumstances define him. He fought hard, loved deeply, and left this world exactly as he lived in it, with strength, personality, humor, and a spirit that could never be easily contained.

Steve is preceded in death by his father, Robert Milton "Bob" Marston; his mother, Francis "Jeaneatte" Marston; his beloved baby sister, Lisa Marston Wilson; and his cousins, who grew up together and remained as close as siblings throughout their lives, Darryl Cave, Jesse Cave Yanez, and Sandy Spitzer.

Steve is survived by his one and only brother, Michael Lynn Marston, and his wife, Janet S. Marston. He is also survived by his uncles, Bud Marston and Jim Marston.

He leaves behind his beloved nieces, Candice S. Hite and her husband, Chris A. Hite; Kendall L. Wilson and her husband, Steve Staiti; Nephew, Jackson Stokes; his great-niece, Sydney G. Stearn and her husband, Tanner Bogle; and his great-great niece, Aubrey Grace.

Steve is also survived by his beloved cousins, Patty C. Hughes and her husband, Tim Hughes, and their son, Stuart Hughes, and his wife, Maisha Hughes. Though they shared the title of cousins, many of these relationships were much deeper bonds that felt more like siblings and lifelong friendships. Steve was a steady source of love, guidance, and support, especially to Stuart, whose life was shaped in many ways by Steve's influence.

Beyond the names and titles, Steve leaves behind countless cousins, many of whom affectionately called him "Uncle Steve." Steve never needed the next generation to make him a "great" uncle—he earned that title all on his own. Through his humor, generosity, guidance, and unconditional love, Steve became family to so many and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A funeral service will be held Saturday August 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Grandle Funeral Home Chapel in Broadway. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Harrisonburg.

The family will receive friends Friday from 6-8 PM at Grandle Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Steve's honor to the Rockingham County Fair Scholarship Fund or to Anicira Veterinary Center. A gift to either of these funds would be a meaningful way to continue Steve's legacy of supporting his community, encouraging young people, and caring deeply for the animals he loved. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the incredible nurses at Sentara RMH who cared for Steve with such compassion and dedication, just like family, alongside Dr. Ruth and Dr. Moore for their experience and unwavering support throughout his final days. And to Steve's home health girls, who became more than caregivers, they became family: Tammy Cooper, Susan Stewart, and Destiny Cooper. We will never forget you.