STEPHEN ADAMS SADLER was born on February 11, 1936, in West Philadelphia, PA to Adele Vera Adams and George William Sadler.  He was the second child of 4 including three boys, George Ronald, Jerome Eugene and a younger sister Adele Marie Sadler Johnson. Unfortunately, his brothers have predeceased him. 

Steve was a proud fifth-generation Philadelphian and was educated in the Philadelphia public school system where he graduated from John Bartram High School in 1953. As a child, Steve was a member of Jack & Jill of America, Inc  - an organization of mothers dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty - where his mother Adele was a charter member.  As a teenager, Steve went to stay with his grandmother, Adele Adams, whom he loved & adored.  He always told stories about how she was such a positive influence in his life and how she always talked about the importance of education.  Steve also loved to dance.  He would often practice with his mom before going out on dates or to a Jack & Jill dance.  Steve continued his love of dancing throughout his entire life taking lessons and becoming proficient in many styles including Ballroom and Latin Dances such as Argentinian Tango. 

After high school, he worked at Milner’s Pharmacy where he was inspired to pursue his studies at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy for 2 years.  Following Pharmacy School, he joined the Navy Reserves for several years which led to him working at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and ultimately the Defense Personnel Support Center – part of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) within the U.S. Department of Defense where he served for over 40 years.

Steve married his first wife, Marian Matthews and they had three boys, Robert (Bob), Kevin and Mark. In 1966, they moved from the city to the NJ suburb of Willingboro where the boys grew up and graduated high school.  Sadly, Bob and Kevin have predeceased him within the last three years. 

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While working full time, Steve went back to college & earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management at Rutgers University night school. This led to promotion & the opportunity to attend the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF) where he earned a Masters in Public Administration in partnership with George Washington University in Washington DC. This required him to move to Northern Virginia where he ultimately settled in Fairfax.  At this time, Steve & his first wife Marian chose to part ways.  Steve continued to progress in his career at DLA often briefing Generals at the Pentagon as an agency expert for major DOD Supply Chain & Logistics programs for Medical, Clothing & Textile items.  He served for over 47 years before retiring in 2003 with many distinguished awards of merit & service.  Steve later married Lydia Ocampo in 1997 who currently resides in Plano, TX.

After retiring, Steve did volunteer work serving as Vice President of the Medical Mission of Mercy USA, a humanitarian organization providing free medical services, medication, and vision services to underprivileged people in the United States and other countries.  As many know, Steve’s hobbies included his love for dancing, boating & fishing as well as spending time with family, extended family & friends.

Steve’s final wishes were to be cremated.  The family is planning a private virtual Memorial Service, due to current Covid quarantine restrictions.  It’s our hope to have an in-person 1-year anniversary Memorial Service & Celebration of Life next year after the Covid restrictions and safety concerns are removed.  Thank you for your love, support & understanding during this difficult time and in this challenging environment.