Steve “Cosmo” Kosmides ~ December 1954 – July 2023

Steve grew up with his brother Ralph in Southern California. Steve loved the ocean, developing a lifelong passion for surfing. Still, he knew Southern California wasn’t where he wanted to stay. When Steve graduated from high school in 1973, he went to visit friends in South Lake Tahoe for three weeks and instead found his forever home.

Many people knew him as “Steve the Plumber.” He opened Lake Tahoe Plumbing in the early 1980s and at the beginning, he was both the business owner and sole employee. Steve’s reputation helped his business to thrive and grow, enabling him to expand to 12 trucks and to proudly construct his own office and business complex within South Lake Tahoe’s Industrial District.

But Steve was so much more than a hardworking business owner! Winter days (and full moon nights) often found Steve adventuring on his snowmobile, relishing the challenging terrain and beautiful views. Summer had its own slate of treasured outdoor activities, with morning water ski sessions on Fallen Leaf Lake in his Mastercraft at the top of his “favorites list.” Steve would set up the ski course there each season and, on the water, he had the grace of a ballerina, regardless of his tall stature. For many years you’d find him swimming in Lake Tahoe along the shoreline at Kiva Beach after work. These activities kept him in shape for surfing while visiting his beloved mom, Peggy, at her home in Dana Point.

Steve touched so many lives, both personally and professionally. Steve could start up a conversation with anyone, and it seemed everyone in town knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed, especially by his mom, brother, nieces and nephews, and dear friends Linda, Ronnie, and Gerald.  

Please join Steve’s family and friends on Sunday, September 10 at 11:30 a.m. as they come together to swap stories and toast Steve while outdoors under the tent at Tahoe Paradise Park.  Most of the space will be standing room only, with a limited amount of seating.  

Tahoe Paradise Park is located at 1011 E San Bernardino Ave. in Meyers.