Steven Robert Panek passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012 surrounded by his family at his home in Fallbrook, Calif. at the age of 51. Steve was born on April 17, 1961 in Lyons, Ill.  Steve married Pamela Bigbey of Vista, Calif. in 1984 and they had been married for 28 years. 

Steve worked for several companies over the span of his career such as NCR, AMCC, Nokia, Sequoia Communications, Qualcomm, and up until his passing, a senior staff engineer IC design at Broadcom Corporation in San Diego. Steve and Pam lived in Vista for most of their marriage, moving to Fallbrook in 2003. Steve was a loving, devoted husband and father, a truly good man who was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a man of integrity who valued hard work, taking care of his family and his home. 

Steve was loved by his family, who will miss his quiet gentleness, love and dedication. He is survived by his wife, Pam; daughters Briana and Lauren Panek; dad Albert Panek; sister and brother-in-law Caryn and Dennis Hoelscher; nieces and nephews Christina Perrault, Molly Goble, Chassi Dynarski, Taylor and Taryn Murray, Peter Perrault and Ken Murray; aunt Alberta Husch; goddaughter Dana Massie; godson, Scott Kruse; and countless cousins and in-laws. Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Sylvia Panek. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m., Sonrise Christian Fellowship Church, 463 S. Stage Coach Lane, Fallbrook, Calif. (formerly Fallbrook Presbyterian Church).