Stephen Arthur Foss

September 4th 1947 -- February 28th 2026

Stephen Arthur Foss passed away on February 28 at his home in Pirtleville, Arizona.

He was born September 4, 1947, in Washington, D.C., to Theodore Thomas Foss and Martha Thompson Foss. During his early childhood, he lived in Bremen, Germany, where his father served in the foreign service. After several moves during his early years, his family settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he was raised.

Steve graduated from Sandia High School in 1966 and went on to attend the University of Notre Dame. During his college years, he spent a year as a foreign exchange student in Innsbruck, Austria, and traveling across Europe before returning to the United States just in time for Woodstock. He graduated with honors in 1970.

Following graduation, he was recruited by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Washington, D.C., where he worked briefly before relocating to San Francisco to pursue his lifelong passion for music. A devoted jazz enthusiast and drummer, he played with friends and in several bands over the years.

In 1993, Steve moved to Bisbee, Arizona, where he purchased a historic building in downtown Bisbee. He remained deeply involved in the local arts community, continuing to play drums with various groups and hosting a weekly radio program. He was also an active supporter of the local radio station KBRP and helped organize and support the Bisbee Poetry Festival.

Throughout his life, Steve pursued a wide range of interests and continued to expand his skills and knowledge. He earned his private pilot's license and later obtained a degree in nursing.

He met Mercedes, and they were married in February 2007.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore "Ted" and Martha Foss, and by his brothers, Brian Foss and Marty Foss. He is survived by his wife, Mercedes Foss; his son, Alfonso Foss; and his brother, Greg Foss.