Steven Auerbach was a Bridgeport original via Brooklyn, New York: an outspoken political warrior who gave as good as he took, a fiery foodie who apprised on the best eats in Bridgeport and surrounding areas, and worked in the mayoral administrations of Mary Moran and Joe Ganim. He passed away Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 66.
Services will take place on Friday, December 22 at 2 p.m. at Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home, 88 Beach Rd, Fairfield, CT.
Auerbach, a devoted city booster, embraced a mantra he’d often declare in the OIB comments section: “Why are so many people so miserable?”
A member of the Democratic Town Committee in the North End 134th District, Steven wouldn’t back down to Godzilla, King Kong or Hulk Hogan such was his incorrigibility digging in to make arguments on behalf of a host of politicians or issues. He rarely gave up the point and was quick to issue a response when sensibilities violated, albeit, at times, combustible.
Example rejoinder he issued in comments section last year:
Sure, Anytime ! You miserable , negative piece of human waste. You actually believe people on this blog listen to you. I do Thank you for making me feel like a super star. Some of us are movers and shakers. People like you are like a lead balloon. You suck the oxygen out of a room. You are bad PR for all of your candidates. Great job helping your candidates for the DTC.
Dedicated to his elderly mother, he attended Central High School, studied at Southern Connecticut State University, Sacred Heart and Fairfield University and tutored and subbed for many years in the city public schools. He worked in the economic development office under Republican Mayor Mary Moran and most recently parking czar in the administration of Joe Ganim.
Talk about food and Steven was ready with a spoon, fork, knife and a mighty appetite. This from the comment section re his favorite Bridgeport restaurants:
Star of Istanbul
Eat Noodle
Joseph’s Steak House
Ralph and Richies
Trattoria ‘A Vuchella
Brewport
Crate and Barrel
The Grille
Miss Thelma’s
Funchal
Pantanel
San Remo
Mario the Baker
Pho Saigon
Pho Hong Thom
Vinny’s
Tappanaki Buffet
El Pueblo
Tenampa
La Fonda
La Poblanita
Azteca
Etc, Etc, Etc………
R.I.P Stevie.
This City will enjoy a brilliant display of Tulips every spring , thanks to Steve, that will be his legacy.
Sweet point Sonny. It inspired me to load a pic of Steve and tulips.
Lennie, could you post the last OIB comment from Steve. In 2015 Steven and I had some of most vicious give and takes on OIB. On primary day of 2015, I set out to find out what school Steven was campaining in and I immediately volunteered to cover that polling place as I was told no one was available or willing to. I remember the look on Steven’s face when he saw me coming and the look on Mary Filo’s face. I said, “Hi, Steven”. He quickly snapped, “I have nothing to say to you”.
By 8:00 pm that night, Steven and I became friends. I’ve been looking for a picture of Steven, Mary Filo and me taken before we parted ways that night.
Yes, Speedy, it was July 17, 2023: “Today is a good day– TY” He was an optimist, even in pain. That was his last comment.
I was sent a copy of that photo. You guys cracked me up like nobody else could.
Hi Joel,
I remember the day well and was thinking about it the minute I heard the sad news of Steve’s passing. As I remember, that was a very contentious campaign season. I remember getting the call that they were sending you to the school, as well as the that look on Steve’s face. There we were the three of us. I remember the silly slogans and rhyme wars we were having. I remember also, all three of us getting our hands slapped by the police for being so loud the poll workers could here us inside. I think that was the turning point to our relationships. There we were, 3 grown adults, getting our hands slapped, like 10 year olds. Our only choice was to ban together in the moment, put politics aside and blame others, that didn’t exist, for the noise. I will miss Steve’s witty, strong, positive outlook on life and I am so thankful for the memory of that day!
I found the picture, I am going to post it to your FB page! XO
Thanks for pulling out my favorite OIB black-mail photo of Mary an Steve.
Steve Auerbach has passed away too soon. No doubt he had more to say. He was a man with a mind and a voice that offered comments to those who would listen, discuss, argue, and converse. He is lost to us today. He was hard to impress on the governance scene. But he did know how to enjoy food at mealtime. Peace to those who hold his memory with respect. He knew. Time does tell.
I hear that John, fairly young.
Though I never had the pleasure to converse with him face to face we didn’t have some engaging back and forths here on OIB. 🙂
To celebrate Steve’s life. Here’s a song that will forever remind me of his political style, as Port’s biggest cheerleader. You’ll be missed by those who loved and cared for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzuliQXYWUE
My bad,
We did have some engaging…
In memory, a parting song to Port’s political family, the Old, the young, the new, the outsiders, not many played it like Steve. Till we meet again. 😇
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4iPSPoe1Y8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgKAFK5djSk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4iPSPoe1Y8
JML, wasn’t the Steven Auerbach OIB comment directed at you? Here it is again:
“Sure, Anytime ! You miserable , negative piece of human waste. You actually believe people on this blog listen to you. I do Thank you for making me feel like a super star. Some of us are movers and shakers. People like you are like a lead balloon. You suck the oxygen out of a room. You are bad PR for all of your candidates. Great job helping your candidates for the DTC.”
Steve was a real Mensch. Dedicated to his mother and our city.
May his memory be a blessing.
Good night, sweet prince And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest
What can I say about Steve
First of all we loss a great gentleman. Steve wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. He was one of the most kindest person one would ever want to me. Steve you fought a good fight. May heaven receive you with open arms.
Sleep well my Brother!
Dammit. I hate hearing this. He was one of the most interesting people I have ever met. The great thing about Steve was his willingness to engage with anyone, regardless of their stance on the issues. He, of course, would argue his point until the cows came home, but with few exceptions, he was in his passion, rarely rude. But when he was rude, he was the best at it. I’m glad I knew him. He was a great example of political passion and support of the city of Bridgeport. I’m so sad he had to leave us so soon.
Rest In Peace my friend. You will be missed.
If politics exists in heaven I’m sure that Steve and Ethan are there raising hell. RIP Steve and Ethan
When news breaks that over one thousand dead people voted for Joe Ganim on the January 23, 2024 Democratic Primary, we will know who was responsible.
RIP, Steve. Always presented a gracious, friendly face. Didn’t carry his politics beyond the political arena. A truly nice guy. A mensch. Bridgeport and the world are the lesser for his passing…