Obituary

Stephen Armond Nordeck, born September 26, 1941 in Los Angeles, died Monday, June 25, at his home in Rancho Mission Viejo.

Steve attended Loyola Marymount University receiving a degree in Business as well as USC School of Business where he received a Master’s Degree. In 1963, he was elected to the Manhattan Beach City Council and served as Mayor. Moving South for the cowboy lifestyle, Steve became legendary for taking historic landmarks, making them earthquake safe, while preserving their authenticity. He tried his hand at restaurant ownership, buying the Trabuco Oaks Steak House in 1987. He and his partners purchased the Swallows Inn, a cowboy bar and local fixture in San Juan Capistrano, in 1993. This was followed by further development in San Juan Capistrano of Mission Promenade, a premier specialty retail center, in 1997, and the acquisition and renovation of El Adobe de Capistrano- all are important parts of the local community today. Following a long line of luminaries, he delighted in his role as Grand Marshall for the 2017 Swallows Day Parade.

A resident of San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Mission Viejo, and Coto de Caza since 1984, he was passionate about his horses, golf and USC’s Trojan football team. Most of all, Steve cherished the time spent with his niece, nephew and their children. Steve will be dearly missed by his extended family and many friends, including: Karin Holloway, beloved partner; sister Vicki Panko and brother-in-law Pat; niece and family, Samantha and John Buchanan; nephew and family, Patrick (L.P.) and Elizabeth; grand-nephews, Braden Nordeck Buchanan, Tate Edmund Buchanan, Patrick Stephen Panko; grand-niece, Catherine Isabella Panko; cousins Richard Alter, Melinda Garroway (Art), Shannon Alter Yerkes (Jeff), Jonathan Alter (Chat) and Dori Nordeck.

Steve was a respected politician, entrepreneur, and restaurateur. We will truly miss his kind heart and generosity of spirit.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano, 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 29, 2018. In lieu of flowers, Steve’s family encourages contributions to:

Heart of Jesus Retreat Center
2927 South Greenville
Santa Ana, CA 92704

City of Hope
Attn: Cheryl Sannes
1500 E. Duarte Rd.
Duarte, CA 91010

NOTE:  Gift to City of Hope in support of Dr. Joseph Chao.

Please write “in honor of Stephen Nordeck” in the memo field of check. Online donations can be made at: www.cityofhope.org/donate– Then click to “Donate in Honor or Memory of Loved One”.