Steven A. Pinkley

Steven A. Pinkley, 66, of Cary, Illinois, passed away in early March 2026. Born in Elgin, Illinois on May 13, 1959 to Thomas and Joyce Pinkley, Steve built a life defined by hard work, craftsmanship, loyalty, and a playful spirit that could light up any room.

He attended Barrington High School, where he excelled as a wrestler and formed lifelong friendships that felt like family. After graduation, Steve began his career at Buckeridge Door Co. in Arlington Heights, earning a reputation as an intensely hardworking and dependable colleague. He later brought that same dedication to the family business at Master Hitch in Palatine, where his skill, persistence, and pride in a job well done became his hallmarks.

When he wasn’t working, Steve could most often be found in his home shop, creating fine woodworking pieces. He loved building with his hands, solving problems, and teaching others who wanted to learn. Whether installing a garage door, building a deck, or crafting outdoor furniture for friends and family, he took great pride in helping others and creating something lasting. An avid saltwater and freshwater fisherman, he cherished his trips to deer camp in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where he spent time hunting, listening to music, and enjoying the company of close friends. His love of audiobooks began during his long commutes through Chicago’s northwest suburbs and continued on the drives north, where he eagerly shared highlights and traded recommendations.

Steve was a devoted animal lover whose loud and enthusiastic greetings to the family pets announced his arrival home. Among those fondly remembered were his pot-bellied pig, Ed, and his English bulldog, Peaches. Above all, he was known as a devoted friend who never made excuses—only time—for the people he cared about. He was always there with tools, expert advice, or a helping hand. His gift for storytelling, complete with his well-known tendency for embellishment—affectionately called “The Steve Pinkley Exaggeration Factor”—will live on in the memories and laughter of those who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Tasha (Cory Rogers) Pinkley, Alexa (Tyler) Malson, and Joe (Becky Breunig) Pinkley; his siblings, Tom (Wendy) Pinkley, Bill (T) Pinkley, Patti (Al) Young, Susie (Gary) Hane, Scott (Christine) Pinkley, Bob (Jenny) Pinkley, John (Stacey) Pinkley; and by many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas E. Pinkley Jr. and Joyce I. Pinkley (née Hart).