Mr. Steven O'Grady

Steven Thomas O’Grady, of Greenville NC, formerly of Dartmouth, MA, passed away unexpectedly on July 2, 2024, in Greenville, NC. A certified “people person” with a huge, kind heart, he was a beacon of laughter and light for all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. Steve was born on December 9, 1979, in New Bedford, MA, arriving just three minutes before his twin sister. He attended schools in Barrington, RI, and Dartmouth, MA, graduating from Dartmouth High School in 1998. There, he was a proud member of the award-winning marching band and Captain of the WGI National Champion Indoor Percussion team. Steve pursued higher education in Music Theory and Composition at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Music Education at the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth, and Curriculum and Instruction at Capella University. Steve's professional journey was as diverse as it was impressive, spanning music, sales, customer service training, and learning and development. He was an accomplished drummer, performing with various bands in the New Bedford, MA, and Greenville, NC areas. In 2006, he toured with the jazz rock/fusion band Gongzilla as their drummer. However, his true passion lay in teaching music. For over 25 years, Steve dedicated himself to private percussion instruction, sharing his love for music with students of all ages. He also served as a percussion instructor and arranger for high school bands in Massachusetts, Louisiana, and North Carolina and as a percussion advisor for the East Carolina University Band. This past June Steve completed his “dream job” as Interim Band and Orchestra Director at Chicod School in Pitt County, NC. Steve was a true friend to everyone he met, transcending boundaries and bringing people together with his genuine warmth and kindness. He had an extraordinary ability to make each person feel special, seen, and valued. His circle of friends was remarkably diverse, including people of all ages, genders, races, sexual orientations, political affiliations, and economic backgrounds. Steve's open-hearted nature and inclusive spirit created a sense of belonging for everyone, making him a cherished companion to many. His friendships were a testament to his belief in the beauty of human connection and the power of kindness, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Steve is survived by his mother, Denise (Deschenes) O’Grady, and stepfather, Joseph Dutra, of South Dartmouth, MA; his father, Thom O’Grady, and stepmother, Denise McEvily, of Old Saybrook, CT; his brother, Douglas O’Grady, and wife, Ashley, of Brookfield, CT; his twin sister, Colleen Williams, and husband, Thomas, of Brimfield, MA; and his cherished nephews, Jake and Patrick O’Grady and Kayden Williams. He is also survived by his extended family, including step-brothers Ian McEvily and his wife, Elizabeth, and Colin McEvily, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and a large circle of honorary family members, especially his beloved Greenville family, David and Julie Ann Erwin, and their daughters, Miranda and Meredith. The self-described “World’s Okayest Drummer,” will be remembered fondly by the many musicians he played with over the years. His life and legacy will be celebrated during the Texas 2 Step Reunion Party on August 17th at the State Theatre in Greenville, NC where all of the drummers will be playing Steve’s iconic teal-colored custom Trick Drums kit. A Celebration of Life for Steve will be held in Massachusetts at a later date, with details to be announced online. In honor of Steve’s dedication to music education, donations can be made in his name to the Save the Music Foundation at https://www.savethemusic.org/take-action/ways-to-donate/

Tributes

Mr. Steven O'Grady

December 9, 1979 - July 2, 2024