Steve Cieplinski passed ad astra in Ocala, Florida, on Wednesday, September 9. He was a long time Gators rugger and a member of the Florida Old Boys until the end.
Dan Dugan says he talked him into coming out for rugby in about 1970. Whatever was said that afternoon, it took, and it held for more than fifty years. Steve played for Florida, and then he kept turning up: for the Old Boys, for the alumni weekends, for the team photo at the end of the day.
Anybody who knew him will start with the swag. Steve did not wear anything that was not Gators. Not anything. He drove an orange car. He was loyal to the Gators to a fault, which is the kind of thing people say kindly about the ones who meant it.
Tim McCarthy played alongside him a lot back in the old days, and helped him move from Gainesville to Ocala around 1980. Steve gave him a rugby ball to show his appreciation. “Great guy,” Tim said this week, with the story still ready to go forty-five years later.
He carried the club with him, and he was not the only one carrying him back. His Memphis teammates at Old #7 RFC sent word out to their own this week too.
Steve had a number of heart issues over the years. He spent his last days in Ocala with his wife, Martha, and his daughter, Anne, by his side.
Roy Brewer heard from Martha and passed the word along with an assurance attached: there will be flowers, without question. Steve loved flowers.
Memorial service
Saturday, September 19, at 2:00 p.m.
First Love Church
2529 N. Magnolia Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475
A reception follows immediately after the service at the Cieplinski family home. Notes and cards for Martha and Anne can be sent to the family home, and flowers to the church or the home. Alumni who need the address will find it in the UFRAA bulletin, or can reach the association directly.
Raise a glass. Lest we forget.
Go Gators.
