Submit Your Condolence
All condolence submissions are moderated for legitimacy and appropriateness before posting online. Your email address will not be published.
Stephen John Rekas
Stephen John Rekas, 71, of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, formerly of Annandale, VA, passed away peacefully at home on July 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on December 30, 1953, in Meadville, PA, Stephen was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and loyal brother. He is survived by his beloved wife, Debra
Rekas; his four children, Christopher (Kristen), Jason (Anna), Lindsey (Joe), and Stephanie (Steve); and his cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, William, Jake, Josh, Noah, Liam, and Lachlyn. He also leaves behind his brothers, Daniel (Joanne) and Jimmy (Debbi), along with many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
Stephen spent his career working in Loss Prevention for Giant Food, where he was known for his integrity, attention to detail, and strong work ethic. Outside of work, he was deeply devoted to his family, always placing their needs above his own.
He loved his family fiercely and lived a life rooted in kindness and generosity. He was always ready with a helping hand and a kind word, offering quiet strength and unwavering support to those around him. Stephen had a deep love for the outdoors, especially fishing and surfing. Whether casting a line in the early morning light or riding the waves off the coast of North Carolina, he found peace and joy in the water—and loved sharing those moments with family and friends.
Whether cheering on his grandchildren at their games, sharing stories around the dinner table, or simply listening with patience and warmth, Stephen was a steady and loving presence. His calm demeanor and big heart touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a man who led by example—humble, compassionate, and deeply committed to those he loved.
A memorial service will be held at 1pm, Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Gallop Funeral Chapel in Nags Head. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Stephen’s memory to the American Cancer Society. Please leave a message of comfort for the family at gallopfuneralservices.com
Stephen will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved him.
Condolences
Steve was the best! His friendly manner exuded his warmth and caring for others. Steve was the life of the party during our family get-togethers. He will be greatly missed by all.
I am so sorry for your loss of Steve at such a young age. He sounds like an amazing man that will always be missed. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you as you grieve this loving man.
He will be missed. Had many great times and good memories together with friends and family. Sorry to family for your loss. We Love you always Dicken Family
All I can say when I think of Steve is "Hey Baby" (one of his favorite phrases). My heart goes out to Deb, his family and friends. Just know that Steve was a wonderful person who carried with him a laugh that no one can ever forget. See you one day buddy, in the meantime, you will surely be missed. Love ya!
Steve, you will be missed by far more people than you realize. Your positive attitude and willingness to accept people for who they are is what always set you apart from people. I will remember the many we traveled to different basketball courts playing pickup against all comers. You could shoot a basketball.
My sincere condolences to your family with thoughts and prayers. Steve was always a gentleman with integrity and a story eager to share with someone. We often laughed when we seen each other while working at Giant as our fathers worked at Virginia Concrete, small world right.🙏🙏
My condolences and prayers to all of Steve’s family. I will always remember his constant smile and Steve being a good high school buddy and fellow athlete. RIP brother!
With deepest thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace my friend
Whenever our paths crossed, inside or outside the Giant family doors, he always had a smile on his face…..he was one of the good guys ❤️ RIP
Steve was a class act. He is greatly missed by all that knew him. Our condolences to the family.
Thoughts to the family. Steve was such a delightful and caring soul to be around. He will be so missed by so many.
Father of Doug, a high school classmate of Chris. I will represent Doug at tomorrow’s service. Heartfelt condolences to the entire Rekas family.
So very sorry for your loss Steve was one of the best Always had a joke and laughter Will always remember him Tj &Lizann Trilling
I was one of Stephen’s nurses during his time at the Outer Banks Hospital. Though I only spent one shift with him, I was moved by how pleasant and genuinely polite he was despite his illness and weakness. I will remember him and his warmth.
With great sadness I see Steve has had to step aside. He was such a ray of sunshine every time I saw him and bigger than life! What a gift and inspiration to many… I’m certain he leaves behind many fascinating memories for his family to tell and remember for all the years to come.. peace be with you all 💕💕💕
Steve always had a great smile. My condolences to his family.
Steve was the best! His friendly manner exuded his warmth and caring for others. Steve was the life of the party during our family get-togethers. He will be greatly missed by all.
I am so sorry for your loss of Steve at such a young age. He sounds like an amazing man that will always be missed. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you as you grieve this loving man.
He will be missed. Had many great times and good memories together with friends and family. Sorry to family for your loss.
We Love you always
Dicken Family
All I can say when I think of Steve is “Hey Baby” (one of his favorite phrases). My heart goes out to Deb, his family and friends. Just know that Steve was a wonderful person who carried with him a laugh that no one can ever forget. See you one day buddy, in the meantime, you will surely be missed. Love ya!
Steve, you will be missed by far more people than you realize. Your positive attitude and willingness to accept people for who they are is what always set you apart from people. I will remember the many we traveled to different basketball courts playing pickup against all comers. You could shoot a basketball.
My sincere condolences to your family with thoughts and prayers. Steve was always a gentleman with integrity and a story eager to share with someone. We often laughed when we seen each other while working at Giant as our fathers worked at Virginia Concrete, small world right.🙏🙏
My condolences and prayers to all of Steve’s family. I will always remember his constant smile and Steve being a good high school buddy and fellow athlete. RIP brother!
With deepest thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace my friend
Whenever our paths crossed, inside or outside the Giant family doors, he always had a smile on his face…..he was one of the good guys ❤️ RIP
Steve was a class act. He is greatly missed by all that knew him. Our condolences to the family.
Thoughts to the family. Steve was such a delightful and caring soul to be around. He will be so missed by so many.
Father of Doug, a high school classmate of Chris. I will represent Doug at tomorrow’s service. Heartfelt condolences to the entire Rekas family.
So very sorry for your loss
Steve was one of the best
Always had a joke and laughter
Will always remember him
Tj &Lizann Trilling
I was one of Stephen’s nurses during his time at the Outer Banks Hospital. Though I only spent one shift with him, I was moved by how pleasant and genuinely polite he was despite his illness and weakness. I will remember him and his warmth.
With great sadness I see Steve has had to step aside. He was such a ray of sunshine every time I saw him and bigger than life! What a gift and inspiration to many… I’m certain he leaves behind many fascinating memories for his family to tell and remember for all the years to come.. peace be with you all 💕💕💕
Steve always had a great smile. My condolences to his family.