The South Hills and greater Pittsburgh communities are mourning the tragic and unexpected loss of Stefanie “Steph” Zilka. Stefanie passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of profound kindness, a tight-knit circle of lifelong friends, and a devastated family.
Remembered as a compassionate, welcoming, and beautifully protective soul, Stefanie was a beacon of light to those who felt out of place, consistently using her warmth to bring people together.
A Beautiful Soul Remembered for Her Heart
In Memoriam: Stefanie "Steph" Zilka (Passed Away: June 28, 2026)
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Hometown Base : Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Mother : Sandee Grossi
Aunt : Janice Grossi O'Donnell
Arrangements Venue : John F. Slater Funeral Home (Brentwood)
Celebration Date : Friday, July 3, 2026
Service Officiant : Matthew Parks (Lifelong Friend)
Core Legacy : Inclusive friendship, lifting up the overlooked
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A Legacy of Inclusion and Warmth
To grow up alongside Stefanie was to know what genuine, unconditional friendship felt like. From her early childhood and school days in southwestern Pennsylvania, she possessed a rare, innate empathy that drew people toward her. She was particularly celebrated for looking out for those on the margins or newcomers trying to find their footing.
Upon hearing the news of her passing, childhood friend Bo Miller recalled the life-changing impact of her welcoming nature:
“This is very sad. I haven’t talked to her in ages but I remember her kinda being around my small friend group when I first moved to PA in 7th/8th grade and she always made me feel like part of the group no matter where we were—which was awesome cause I always kinda felt like in the background as the new kid… You can tell she really cared about other people, especially the ones who didn’t feel comfortable just being themselves. Rest in peace, Steph.”
Other close peers and old friends echoed these sentiments, remembering her as a “sweetheart” and an exceptionally “gorgeous soul gone from earth too soon.”
Community Outpouring and Support
The sudden shock of Stefanie’s passing has caused an immense wave of grief to ripple across her extended family and social circles. As loved ones worked tirelessly to bring her home to her native Pittsburgh, her family expressed their deep gratitude for the neighborhood’s protective wall of solidarity.
Her aunt, Janice Grossi O’Donnell, speaking on behalf of Stefanie’s mother, shared this message during the initial wave of grief:
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for surrounding my sister [Sandee Grossi] and her family with your prayers, love, and support during this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness means more than words can express.”
Memorial Arrangements and Celebration of Life
Family and friends are formally invited to gather to honor, remember, and celebrate the unforgettable life of Stefanie Zilka. Her final services will be anchored by those who knew and loved her from the very beginning.
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Date of Services: Friday, July 3, 2026
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Location: John F. Slater Funeral Home, 4201 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227
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Visitation Hours: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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Memorial Service: A formal service will begin at 6:00 p.m. immediately following the visitation. The service will be personally led and officiated by Stefanie’s lifelong friend, Matthew Parks.
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Reception: A post-service reception will be held on-site at the funeral home, where attendees are explicitly encouraged to come ready to share personal stories, exchange memories, and celebrate the profound light Stefanie brought to the world.
Stefanie is survived by her devoted mother, Sandee Grossi, her extended family, and an expansive network of friends stretching from Pennsylvania to California. She leaves behind a community permanently altered by her kindness, whose members vow to keep her inclusive spirit alive.