Stephen T. Griego, affectionately known as Steve, Stevie, “Stevie Wonder,” “Jap,” and most importantly “Dad,” passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 41 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Born on November 10, 1984, to Richard and Lucy Griego, Steve lived life unapologetically. Steve wasn’t someone who fit neatly into a box. He was funny, opinionated, intelligent, complicated, and undeniably human. There was never any guessing where he stood on something—if he thought it, he said it. He was bold, stubborn, witty, and without a doubt different. Those who loved him knew that in a single conversation he could make you laugh until your stomach hurt, challenge your thinking, frustrate you beyond words, and remind you how much he cared. He never pretended to be anyone else. That’s who Steve was. Many also knew him as an online presence through social media @baddazzmf, where his humor, opinions, and unmistakable personality reached people well beyond those closest to him. He earned his degree in computer science, combining his smarts with a natural talent for technology. Steve proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He prided himself with finding what he called “the best deals”. In his youth, Steve was a character. He loved entertaining family by dancing like Michael Jackson, singing John Lennon songs while playing the piano, and making people laugh in ways only he could. His laugh was infectious. Music remained a passion, and his playlist reflected that. Steve found joy in the simple things. He loved his parents, his son, Elijah & He adored his two dogs. He appreciated beautiful things and lived a simple life where he could water his trees, enjoy his peace, and escape the noise of the world. He believed deeply in world peace and hoped that tomorrow could always be better than today. Life presented Steve with challenges, but it also revealed his resilience. He faced difficult seasons with determination and continued searching for his own path and found happiness. Reflecting on that journey, he once wrote, “Three years ago I was fighting for my life! I’ve come a long way from that.” Those who knew him witnessed that strength firsthand. Steve was preceded in death by his brother, Richard J. Griego; his maternal grandparents, Justiniano and Virgie Santillanes; his uncle, Stephen T. Santillanes, aunt Tina Santillanes; along with his paternal grandparents, Joe and Fava Griego He leaves behind a family who will continue to love and miss him deeply. Parents Richard and Lucy Griego; his beloved son, Elijah Griego; his sister, Valerie Griego; his nieces, Madelynn Santillanes and Adrianna Griego; his great-niece and great-nephew, Alianna and Alisandro Chavez V; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends whose lives were forever touched by his presence. Steve’s legacy cannot be summed up by dates alone. He was outspoken, fiercely independent, curious, and unforgettable. He lived life in his own way, loved deeply, laughed loudly, and left an impression that will not fade. Those who knew him, knew him well and there will never be another quite like him.

Pallbearers: Elijah Griego, Madelynn Santillanes, Rick Rodriguez, Carlos Savedra, Maurice Andrews, Bernadette Baca                                                Honorary Pallbearers: Jacob Gutierrez, Lawrence Romero, Loren Tafoya, Eddie Padilla, Michael Morris, Gilbert Armijo

Services for Stevie will be held on July 18th at La Sagrada Familia Catholic Church in Lemitar. Rosary will be at 10:30am, with mass following at 11:00am. Interment will be held on July 20th at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe at 2:00pm.