Stephen Anthony Stoy

Stephen "Steve" Anthony Stoy, age 73, of Harrisburg, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly at his home on November 30, 2025.

The family will hold a memorial service at a later date to celebrate Steve's remarkable life.

Born on July 19, 1952, in Bristol, Pennsylvania, to the late Olga Laura (Podesta) Stoy and George Glenn Stoy. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Paul and Glenn Stoy, and his sister, Diane Olga Stoy.

Steve grew up with an inquisitive mind and a natural curiosity about how things worked, traits that would guide him throughout his life.

After high school, Steve proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era, where he worked as a radar repairman. His time in the military deepened his appreciation for technology and problem-solving, sparking a lifelong passion that shaped both his career and his hobbies.

Following his service, Steve pursued his education at UNC Charlotte, earning his bachelor's degree in engineering technology and beginning a decades-long career at the university he loved. Starting at UNCC around 1980, he dedicated over 30 years to advancing the university's technological infrastructure and security, ultimately serving as an Information Security Officer. Steve's colleagues remember him as a forward-thinking innovator: someone who was always one step ahead, building and experimenting with technology long before it was mainstream. From working with Gail on early computer models like the Commodore PET to designing his own hardware interfaces that could connect computers to blood pressure monitors, thermometers, and scales, Steve's ingenuity was matched only by his curiosity.

Outside of his career, Steve had a deep and thoughtful nature. He was a founding member of the local Libertarian Party and enjoyed exploring ideas surrounding artificial intelligence.

At home, Steve was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife Gail Toler Stoy; his sons, William Stoy (Laura) and David Stoy (Rachel Brewer-Stoy); brother, Philip Stoy; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins; his two beloved "grand-dogs," Moose and Milo, who never failed to bring him joy. Steve and Gail enjoyed 45 years together. They enjoyed whitewater rafting, camping, and programming tools and gadgets together. They were also long-time Panthers fans and had season tickets and spent many a Sunday cheering them on with their sons and their lifelong friends, Kenny and Margo Patton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, or a charity of your choice, honoring Steve's lifelong dedication to innovation, education, and discovery.

Steve will be remembered for his brilliance, his quiet humor, and his unwavering curiosity about the world. His legacy lives on in the technology he helped shape, the colleagues he inspired, and the family who loved him deeply.