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Steven was a friend and colleague to all of us. I am in shock and hurt by his passing. We lost a true hero and an amazing human being. Steven always put Passaic students first. His determination, dedication to his work and commitment to help those in need made Steven our "Passaic Hero". Steven's legacy will never be forgotten. Steven always gave us his very best. He truly loved working at Daniel F. Ryan School 19 and Ulysess Grant School 7. His lost is irreplaceable to all of us. I consider myself lucky to have worked beside Steven. We will never see another person who impacted our Passaic community so much as our beloved friend Steven Cerdan. Thank you, Steven, for being extraordinary. We will continue to carry on Steven's work and vision at School 19. I will be taking care of your beautiful turtles and they will be part of our School 19 for many years to come. Goodbye my friend.

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My brother my friend so many memories we shared... I will truly miss our conversations or just being able to sit in a room quiet but enjoying each other's company!!! 

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My brother my friend so many memories we shared... I will truly miss our conversations or just being able to sit in a room quiet but enjoying each other's company!!! 

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Til we meet again on the other side RIP my love 💓

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A person like you is not deserved, only given through grace by God. I am absolutely grateful for your tutelage throughout our time here together. You took to my family, helping Mami during her medical issues, picking up my siblings and me whenever necessary. You showed me what it meant to pray, love, and put others before self. You opened up your home to me when you saw the need. We were able to enjoy laughter, endure pain, and even work together multiple times. But most of all, you took me under your wing and never asked for anything back. From youngsters at Six Flags, weekend trip to Florida, to officiating my wedding, thank you for it all! I love you big bro.

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Shaneekwa Smith

GearUp is where it all began. You were more than a coworker but a true friend. Devoted,  kind, giving and inspiring. There will never be another like you. I will miss our conversations and laughter. 😊 My friend you truly are one of a kind. Gearup made us coworkers, the years made us friends, you being there more times than I can count made you family.  I will miss you Steve. I love you

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Tirando el cabron mas grande a la piscina

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Steve was extraordinary for so many reasons. Where do I begin.... for me personally, my first encounter with him was when I was praying that my son Sebastian got into Ms. Megan King’s pre K class at school 7. Principal Janowalla had informed me that
Her class was full. I spoke to him on the phone and in 5 minutes he called back and told me not to worry and that he took care of it.

After that, I met him in person at our school and I will always bump into him at school 7 when ever I had to pick up and drop off Sebastian. He always will tell me to let him know if ever needed anything for Sebastian and tried to facilitate anything for me in terms of me as juggled parent and teacher life.

With my students, he always made sure to answer any questions. Drop off any information needed for parents and even one day took a  few minute to share a little
about his passion for helping our students. We connected a lot in that way and my
Respect for him grew.

Ever since we’ve been in this pandemic Cerdan’s advocacy and selfless nature never ceased to amaze me. He will follow up on those students that still weren’t showing up in my class. He will take the time to go personally to their homes and bring a full report of what was happening in each individual household. He truly took the time to know students and parents. During our Xmas secret Santa he helped distribute all those gifts and even offered to drop off some of the gifts in person if parents couldn’t come to pick it up. His advocacy was inexhaustible.

When ever I had a student absent, sick, needed assistance with computer or internet I knew I could always count on Steve. He was only a text/phone call away. His act of kindness and devotion to our students often times left me speechless.

Last time I saw Steve in person was at our school. I went to pick up my laptop. I asked if perhaps there was some case for me to carry it and in seconds he brought me two options. He saw me looking for a 5th grade social studies book and he quickly showed me where I might find one. Then proceeded to tell me if he found the teacher editions he will call me and let me know. I remember walking with him on the third floor after getting that book. I remember the eerie feeling of old faded bulletin boards. Dark classrooms with anchor charts barely hanging on. The half lit hallway and feeling this sadness. And I thought to myself, “wow Melissa, will we ever come back? Will I ever get to see my classroom again?”, and as Cerdan and I were walking back to the main office talking about how bad covid was getting. How serious this situation really is,  I couldn’t help but think to myself, “will this be my last time here? Or even the the last
Time I might see Cerdan again? “💔😢 and then I told myself to stop being so dramatic and to think positive. But now knowing that my last in person encounter with mr Cerdan was him (like always) going above and beyond to help me, and that I actually had that weird feeling while I was leaving the school just brings me to tears and truly breaks my heart. He wasn’t only my colleague but an extraordinary parent liaison to me and Sebastian. He always made sure to let me know he was only a call or text away if I ever needed anything for Sebastian or my students and their families.

I saw a lot of myself in Mr. Cerdan. His unconditional love and passion in helping our students was admirable. There was nothing Cerdan could not do for our parents and students and that’s exactly who I aspire to be; an advocate for our students beyond my four classroom walls.

The last act of kindness and embodiment of advocacy was when I recently received a transfer student 2 weeks ago. The parent expressed her 3 kids were having a hard time transitioning and also needed some documentation and needed to speak to someone. I sent out an email to notify the parent and student situation and within minutes Cerdan replied. He had personally gotten those documents for the family. Printed them out and went to meet the family at their home. Then shared with me that they didn’t have coats on and it was really cold out. Steve told me he offered to get the family coats but they seemed shy and declined. This is the giant I am referring to. He didn’t have to ask. He just knew. He truly had a heart of gold and my response to that text message was simply wow. Thank you! I wished I would’ve reminded him of how awesome he truly was at the moment. I wish I would’ve said more. That is why I hope that moving forward we feel more comfortable expressing gratitude, to that teacher, that colleague, that parent or even that student that just had made our day a little brighter. Because sadly, we never know if we will get the chance to let them know how special and how they made us feel.  .... I hope when we come back to our school building at 19 we feel Steve Cerdan’s presence by acting on and leading through the many memories he has left behind for us. Let’s continue to take care of each other, our families, our school 19 family and our students.

“Heroes get remembered, but LEGENDs never die.” -Babe Ruth

Descansa en Paz Cerdan. Your legacy will live on!

Con todo el respeto,
Melissa García & Sebastian De La Torre (Former Student at School 7)

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You were a wonderful man with a big heart. Thank you for helping all our students especially during this very difficult time. Thank you for always taking a minute to ask if I needed anything. Ou students, our parents, and all of us  were so lucky and blessed to have had you in our lives. May you Rest In Peace Mr. Cerdan. I will surely miss you. All my love & prayers. 💙🙏🏽🤍

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I only knew you a short while but your impact was profound. There was nothing you weren’t willing to do for our students. Because of you, I could teach this past year. You are a big part of any successes we teachers had with students. I cannot thank you enough. You will be truly missed.

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Deeply saddened to hear of your loss. When I knew you at PHS I was always aware of your dedication, deep love and determination about anything involving you.  Steve went above and beyond with our students and those who had the privilege to work with him. He has left us with his light still burning in every student fortunate enough to have worked with him. Rest in peace.

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Shaneekwa Smith

GearUp is where it all began. You were more than a coworker but a true friend. Devoted,  kind, giving and inspiring. There will never be another like you. I will miss our conversations and laughter. 😊 My friend you truly are one of a kind. Gearup made us coworkers, the years made us friends, you being there more times than I can count made you family.  I will miss you Steve. I love you

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Gimena Martinez
Steve, Words can’t describe how much we will miss you! School 19 will no be the same without you! Thank you, Thank you, for everything you did for our students! I never thought I would have the opportunity to work with you after so many years have passed since I met you at LMS as a student. Your dedication and love for your job and our students will never be forgotten 🤍🤍

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I was just talking to you on Feb.12th and I am still in shock. Rest In Peace Steve you will definitely be missed. You made a huge impact on so many because of all the great deeds you did. You went above and beyond and I am blessed to have known you. Your work down here was down now you are resting.

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Who would have known that this would be the last day I would have gotten to serve alongside you.  We were doing what you loved the most and what you were placed on this earth to do...serving our families and students in our city of Passaic through the most time difficult times this pandemic year.  You came prepared...ready with your mask 😷 on, clipboard in hand, color coded excel sheet and as expected task driven.  As I looked at this picture closer, I didn’t even realize that there was a ray of light hitting you directly from up above as if he was preparing you for your next mission.  Who would have known that that mission would have been only a few months later.  Steve, your complexity was admirable...your spirit pure...your love and loyalty for those that respected the real you was always reciprocated....and for those that may have not had the privilege of knowing that humble spirit I got to know, trust and believe in, may reading and hearing about all these positive memories now be a reminder to them of what’s truly most important in life...and hopefully by learning about your legacy now their own journey through life will be amazing chapters in their own life story. Your legacy will forever live on!  Thank you for your service and for always being your authentic you! 🙏❤️Maika Bonafe-Arroyo

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Cerdan, I wish I had more time with you, friend. I’m so honored  to have had the chance to know you in this life. Your love for children and for people in general was felt by so many, and you will truly be missed. I’ll never forget our conversations and laughs, or how you would jump in to help anyone no matter the task. I am better for knowing you, and I will never forget.
All love always,
Nicole

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A brilliant beautiful light has left us far too early. Truly a man more dedicated to help all children will not be found. I am sorry for all the future souls that will not benefit from your kindness.

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Steve, what can I say but I miss you man! I cherish our conversations together and the way we would rip into people and still maintain our sense of professionalism regardless of what! We had some great times together at 19. We spoke each other’s language without saying a word. You were so knowledgeable about so many things and I admired you for that. God only knows he needed you to do his work because you touched so many lives down here. I’m forever thankful for the times we spent and the memories we made. I miss you and love you dearly.
Sorrowfully,
Shavonn

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“I have your back Sanchez”
Words you always said to me, but me always knowing that You had my back made me feel like I didn’t have to worry about anything right before a meet, got the bus, gave permission slips out, food snacks for the kids, and ready to go always. For that I am very thankful Coach. However not thankful when I got on my he bus and you call me and say we should work on the line up, after I had emailed it and asked for him to print it. These memories are beautiful
Our swimming team memories, our get togethers our arguments for looking at different and you knowing I was right all the time, was the best times.

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Steven Cerdan, You came into my life when you were 8 yrs. of age. You were one of my Sunday class student for years. You grew up with my children in my house, we shared so many great memories. You ate with us  laughed with us played and prayed with us. You always shined in the midst of darkness.  We had the privilege to do mission work in Guatemala, and your heart was always  there to help all who were in need.  We always kept in touch and life brought us together to work as Parent liaisons to help all people for the job God called us to do. The great commission Mark 16:15. You will always live in my heart. You made a touch down!

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Violeta Fuentes
Long gone are the days when you arrived to LMS and with your charisma, compassion and cheerfulness touched the lives of many, especially of our students.  Steve, you were a special being and your presence will live in my heart forever.  Oh, how I regret not to have given you a tight hug the last day I saw you on December 2020.  That day, as always, you made me feel your support and camaraderie and who would know that was the last  time we would laugh together.  May you be in a special place my forever friend.

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Steve, I met you at the Vision Latina Gala. For the 5 minutes that I knew you, I felt like I have known you a lifetime.  I was saddened to hear of your passing. Rest In Peace. You will be missed.

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So many people were so much better off for knowing you! There will be hole in our lives that will never be filled. Reading all of the tributes this week solidified how very special you were. Rest and find peace now my friend.

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I did not know you for very long and will say this; you had a personality and a presence that stood out in a room. I will never forget your kindness towards me in my first year of being at PHS.  Rest In Peace and keep shining ❤️

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Steven. You were a force of nature. I loved seeing you push the boundaries to make things happen: from taking the Mexican American club to MOMA and insisting our students be treated fairly, to putting together food for 3000 students at Third Ward Park. Passaic will not be the same without your earthly presence but we know you are watching and that will inspire us. 💔

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Cynthia Bulson Cerdan, you always made us laugh! 

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Cynthia Bulson Cerdan, you always made us laugh! 

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All of our conversations flashed through my mind when I found out you were no longer here with us. You would say some wild and crazy things and that’s what made you so special. You had such an amazingly big heart and you will be missed. Please continue to watch over your friends and family. Make the angels laugh with your sense of humor, but keep it PG13 at least. Love you Cerdan! XO

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Anna Maria Tejada

I had the pleasure of working with Steve when HBANJ began the pipeline program at Passaic high school to expose students to the legal profession.  He had such great dedication and passion for helping students - he loved impacting the students and guiding them. Most importantly, students respected him.  He was a kind and warm soul.  May he Rest In Peace.  You will be greatly missed.

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Steven, you were truly one of a kind. I’ll always cherish my memories with you... you were such a presence in any room you were in. I will miss you dearly!!  ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Thank you for allowing me to work beside you and with you.
Our College Tours were the best. I learned just as much as the students did. It was always all about the kids and I enjoyed every bit of it.  Between you and Shirley working the weekends was a norm for u both, but I wouldn’t had it any other way. On a personal note thank you for being my brother and friend for the moments we shared and the stories I will forever cherish and hold them close to my heart ❤️ as you will have a part of my ❤️ As well
Luv u  Rest In Peace 🙏🏼
Addie

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My friend you were one of a kind!!  Your heart was huge!! Doing for others is how I will always remember you!! You will live in my heart forever!!  Miss you my friend!!!  May you gentle rest in the Lord's arms 🙏🏼

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We shared the road and biked many miles together. You saved my butt on the road and at work more times than I could count. I will miss you brother and friend. Rest In Peace.

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Steve you impacted the lives of so many. I still remember all the support you provided our students at LMS :) and the good times outside LMS. You will be missed. Rest in Peace.

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Mr. Cerdan, from the first time I met you to the most recent opportunity I had to speak with you, your passion and love for the Passaic community was evident! You were a doer, you didn’t just talk the talk, you modeled how to walk the walk with your actions! Thank you for sharing your heart with SO many inside and outside of the Passaic Education community! You will be forever missed and always remembered!

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Loren Barbosa

Thank you my friend for all that you did for so many. Your spirit lives on in all the wonderful memories we have of you. Your kindness and zest for giving is rare but came so natural to you. You will be missed, but more importantly; you will always be remembered.

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Ayesha Jones
Steve,
I wasn't sure just how long I've known you until you sent me this photo a few days ago.  As kids, we focus on making friends and having a good time. Over the years, we have crossed paths many times until we both landed at School 19. There we rekindled our friendship that we had when we were 6.  In that time I realized you were still the kindest, sweetest, compassionate, and loving person there is.  Your love for the community is priceless. We love you and will miss you. ❤

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I feel blessed and honored to have met Steven Cerdan back in LMS during his early years working in the Passaic school system. I was also lucky enough to, once again, cross paths with Steven at School #19 and School #7. Those of us who knew Steven, will forever remember him as a colleague and a friend who never said no. If he could help in some way, no matter how big or small, he did so willingly and whole-heartedly; he made things happen.

Steven’s mission was clear - to reach and help as many Passaic children as he could, and this he did not do for praise or glory, but because it was his calling. Steven parted with this life far too soon but, perhaps, it was his calling to continue his mission from above, still donned in his navy Passaic polo and khaki pants but now accessorized with beautiful angel’s wings. For certain, Steven is looking down at this world, smiling over a job well done, but a job we must continue in his remembrance and name.

Steven was one of those human beings we rarely meet in this world. He was the genuine article, as authentic as they come. He was the type of person who restored people's faith in humanity. He restored my faith in humanity. Thank you, Steven.

Steven Cerdan, you will be greatly missed here on Earth. You have left us with shoes impossible to fill.

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Passaic lost a true hero.  He will be missed by all.  I had the pleasure of working with Steve at school 1, and he was a great asset to our school community.  May he rest in peace! 💔

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From the first day we met til the last conversation he always had a smile on. He was a supporter and definitely lived a life sharing his love with the community and family. He will be truly missed but we will continue his good work in the light of God. May he rest peacefully and watch over this community 🙏 always.

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Mr. Cerdan was always ready to help everyone especially our special education students. He was moved by their struggles. He told me that he had gone through the same struggles. He wanted to let them know that with hard work they could accomplish anything they wanted. He really is our hero. May he be in Glory and Peace 🙏.

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If you wonder what dedication, passion, and hard work looks like in education, that was Steven Cerdan.  He was there for School 19, School 7, the District and the City of Passaic.  He was the type of person that always wanted to make sure that every student had a pencil for class, that every parent/ guardian has the resources needed to help their child out, that every teacher has the materials need to drive instruction, and if you were feeling down he was there to listen and make you smile.

Thank you Steven for being an amazing person, educator, and friend, not just to me, but many of us.   You will be truly missed by all and I know he will be watching us from above!!

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Mr. Cerdan was very supportive to all the teachers at school 19. He was a hard working man and I appreciate the time God allowed us to work with him.

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Steven was super supportive to me in various ways. He would E-Mail me at 2 AM and 3 AM just to make sure he responded to my E-Mails. He also helped my son get into Ms. King's class at School 7 although it was a bit challenging due to her full class. He was adamant about making sure my son got the teacher of my choice.

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Steven, you have always delivered light in our city. You have been helping students since you started working in the district. It is a terrible loss and I will always remember the first day I met you. Your
Sr year at Passaic High.  My brother I will miss you but I know you are in a better place.  To his family and the Passaic Schools District Family we have loss a lot over this past year let us all just remember you never know what can happen take time to enjoy your family and friends.

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Mr. Cerdan, I did not know you personally but I knew of you because of your dedication, passion & contributions to our school & the community. Thank you for your support, your hard work and for always going above and beyond to help others. We have lost a hero but Heaven gained an angel. You will be missed dearly.

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Rosalie Lynch
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Steve you were so dedicated to helping the children of Passaic. You were hard working and motivated. You may not be able to guide the children in person but, I know that you will be watching and directing them from Heaven. You have earned your wings! May you rest in peace and you will be missed.🙏