Steve was born in Staunton, VA and raised in Greensboro, NC, the son of John and Beverly Desper. Steve loved the water, particularly the ocean and the waterways around Beaufort, NC. He was a life-long learner continuing to take courses beyond his BA in English and MAT from UNC and his MA from the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. He earned his Captain’s License and was also a certified scuba diver, earning him the nickname Scuba Steve.

Steve was employed by UNC Hospitals as a Clinic Manger in the ACC. He retired from Duke University as the Administrator of Cardiology Services. He taught English and Science for 11 years at Culbreth and McDougle Middle Schools. His first job in Chapel Hill was with the Highway Safety Research Center. He also ran his own business Desper Geoscience Education & Consulting.

Steve is survived by his children Nicholas Hall Desper and Rebecca Anne Desper of Carrboro; Judith Hall Desper of Carrboro; his brother James K. Desper of Durham and his daughter Amanda of Alexandria, VA; and his sister Jane Desper Landreth and her husband Eddy, children Madison and Jordan of Pittsboro. He is remembered by many friends in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Beaufort as a generous, affable soul.