Stephen Edward Geremia, 83, a larger-than-life personality known for his passionate coaching and encyclopedic sports knowledge, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, in Santa Barbara, California.
Born on April 15, 1942, in Providence, Rhode Island, Stephen was the son of Dorothy Townsend Lovell and Eduardo Geremia, an Italian immigrant from Vairano Patenora, Italy.
After several family relocations, Stephen eventually made California his permanent home, settling in the Hidden Valley and Ojai areas.
Stephen Edward Geremia Studied Business, But Sports Was His True Calling
Stephen Edward Geremia attended The Webb School, where his enduring passion for tennis was first sparked.
He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business from UC Berkeley, followed by a master’s in business from USC.
Returning to Ojai, he took over Ladera Citrus Company, his father’s business, and served on the board of Sunkist, continuing the family’s agricultural tradition.
But business, while important, was only one part of Steve’s multifaceted life. Sports were his true heartbeat.
Stephen Edward Geremia Became A Beloved Tennis Coach
In his adopted hometown of Santa Barbara, Steve was a coach, mentor, motivator, and sometimes a local legend.
He first made waves coaching girls’ soccer at Santa Barbara High School and later returned to tennis, guiding the boys’ and girls’ teams for several years.
Former SBHS coach Aaron Webster recalled:
“That first year he came aboard was the best year SBHS had in a real long time. Steve was heading to CIF games in LA in a limousine and kicking butt. That’s just the way he rolled. His coaching career reflected how he lived life, outrageous to some, passionate to others.”
Steve’s talent extended beyond the sidelines.
He was known as “Mr. Football” on the radio show “Talk Back to the Coach,” dazzling listeners with his photographic memory and a deep reservoir of sports trivia.
His uncanny ability to recall stats, rosters, and obscure college records made him a fan favorite and an invaluable recruiter for his alma mater, Berkeley.
Whether coaching tennis, analyzing college football, or recruiting young talent, Steve gave 100%.
Many of his former athletes remained in close touch, with some even bringing their own children under his wing.
Stephen Edward Geremia Leaves Rich Legacy Behind
Steve is survived by son Teddy and grandson Gunnar; stepdaughters Tiffany Doré and Natalie Trost; step-granddaughters Ava, Ella, and Vaughn Doré; niece Kimberly Townsend Palmer; and former wives Alexandra and Pam Geremia.
A memorial service celebrating Steve’s extraordinary life will be held on June 28, from 12:00–4:00 p.m. at Glen Annie Golf Course in Santa Barbara.
All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and share stories of the man whose presence will long be felt in the community he helped shape.
He may be gone, but as any of his former players or friends would tell you, Steve Geremia was never someone you could forget.
