Edward Stephen "Steve" Massey, 65, died October 8, 2020, surrounded by loved ones, at his home in Vero Beach, Florida.

Steve was born in Lakeland and raised in Wabasso, Florida.

He attended the Wabasso School and graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1972, where he was known as a dedicated student. Steve went to Indian River Community College and Florida International University of Miami where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Steve served as area President of Florida Nurses Association and President of the Pelican Island Preservation Society.

He was a member of Grace Methodist Church, Wabasso.

Steve was loyally committed to Indian River Hospital for 45 years. Beginning as an orderly, working as a floor nurse, ER charge nurse, and eventually hospital recruitment. Steve was all about people and cultivated many relationships through his different roles and multiple decades at the hospital. Steve had a special ability to see the unique strengths in individuals and form connections between people.

In 2016, Steve retired from the hospital and opened Wabasso Bait and Tackle Shack. It was more than a store; it was a place for the community to gather and exchange fishing tales. Steve welcomed everyone as an old buddy.

Steve had great enthusiasm for life and a seemingly endless amount of energy. He knew how to throw one hell of a party, preferably on the river! Steve's heart and generosity knew no boundaries. As soon as you met Steve, he made you feel important and welcome. He loved and cared for friends as though they were the closest of family.

In 2010, Steve married the love of his life, Deby Duke. Together they shared an abundance of passion, fun, and sweet memories. Steve and Deby loved traveling and spending time with his stepsons and granddaughters.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Deby Duke Massey of Vero Beach; stepsons, Robert Scot Freeman and wife Heather of Advance, North Carolina, and Ryan Holt Freeman and his wife Brooke of Wilmington, North Carolina; granddaughters, Blakley and Riley Grace Freeman of Advance, North Carolina , and sister-in-laws Theresa Duke of Wewahitchka, Florida and Tonya Wallace of Point of Rocks, Maryland ; "Sister" Mary Nell Massey Fredell of Wabasso, Florida; special "Nephew" H. Steven Fredell and his wife Amy of Oviedo, Florida; and half-brother Jim Cole and his wife Jackie of Vero Beach, Florida.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Joseph Massey and Elaine Sunderland Massey.

Per Steve's request, funeral services will be a private family affair. However .........

Please join us for "One Hell of a Party" open to all family and friends to Celebrate the Life of Edward Stephen Massey, Sunday, November 29th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Heritage Center

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Steve's honor to VNA Hospice of Indian River County 1110 35th Lane Vero Beach, Florida 32960. 772-567-5551 or vnatc.com

Due to the current COVID restrictions, the celebration for Steve has been postponed. Once the family is able to reschedule, we will update the website accordingly. Thank you for your understanding.