Sad news from Pietro Bonacossa: "My special friend and living partner Stephen became a real angel last week, leaving a deep sense of loss for many of us."
Here is the obituary for Stephen Chalbaud, which is scheduled to run Thursday in The Miami Herald:
Julio "Stephen" Chalbaud, resident of Miami Beach, left this worldly life for eternal peace on December 12, 2012 at the young age of 49. He is now our guardian angel and will be deeply missed by family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.
Stephen was born on September 18, 1963 in San Francisco. He moved to Venezuela as a young child and then to Dallas where he spent his formative years. His real home and heart, however, was in Miami Beach. A beautiful man inside and out, Stephen left a successful career in the modeling world to dedicate his life towards helping those less fortunate.
He spent many years working at Best Buddies and recently did volunteer work for Miami Children's Hospital, Safe Schools South Florida and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, just to name a few.
He had a heart of gold and showered everyone around him with love, kindness, affection, encouragement, understanding, compassion and support.
Stephen is survived by his parents Julio and Gay, his sisters Angela and Debra, his nieces Hayley and Ginger, his nephews Matthew and Joseph, his brothers-in-law Jeff and Thomas, his best friends Dan, Scott, Francisco & Brett, Craig & Rafi, Hector & Ricardo, Brian, Jim & Joseph, Joe & Kevin, Wayne, David, his friends Vince & Ross, Martin, Brandon, John, Carlos, Dave, Liebe, Laura, Tracy, his special friend Pietro and many other dear friends and relatives.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation in Stephen's memory to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (http://www.thetaskforce.org/donate/honor), an organization where he was regarded as a star volunteer.
Thank you for coming into my life, Stephen. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. I wish I could wake up each day and still be surrounded by your beautiful smile and warm heart. You are my shining star and guardian angel.
Posted by: Pietro | December 19, 2012 at 10:13 PM
No matter how old you got you were still my baby brother! I miss you so much it hurts. Thank you for touching our lives with your love, wit, and laughter. Also, thank you for bringing such a wonderful person like Pietro into our lives so that we have a connection to you. I love you. Be happy!
Posted by: Debra Bennett | December 20, 2012 at 10:57 PM
Stephen, so grateful to have known you and so terribly sorry to lose you. I am visualizing you in complete peace with that beautiful smile in full force. Namaste...
Posted by: Lisa La Monica | December 22, 2012 at 03:03 PM
I just found this article tonight and am so very sad. Stephen was a delightful child and young man. The Chalbaud family was very close to our family in the 70's in Texas. Our children interacted, especially Julito with our Patrick and Jennifer. Stephen evidently found his good life in Miami and I celebrate him.
Posted by: Lynda Gorman | April 14, 2013 at 01:55 AM