Stephen Kinstler ‘75

Stephen “Steve” Kinstler, 69, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Steve was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, where he developed lifelong friendships and strong family ties that remained central throughout his life. He was a proud graduate of the St. Francis DeSales High School Class of 1975 and went on to study at The Ohio State University.

Steve devoted nearly 40 years to the railroad industry with Conrail and CSX, taking great pride in being part of a generational legacy and in the relationships, he built throughout his career.

Even before retirement, he enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, being a loyal viewer of Jeopardy, a trivia enthusiast, a passionate fan of The Ohio State University and Notre Dame (“Go Bucks!”) and enjoyed Golf, Bowling and watching NASCAR.

Steve was preceded in death by his loving parents, Mary Kay and Carl “Joe” Kinstler, the first faces he will see again; his brother, Carl Jay “CJ” Kinstler; his brother-in-law, Kyle Lafferty; and his sister-in-law, Penny Kinstler.

He is survived by his siblings, Karen Lafferty, Janet (Paul) Houseberg, Timothy Kinstler and Suzanne (Rod) Hawkins, with whom he shared close relationships.

He was also blessed with many nieces and nephews: Jim, Jeff (Stasha); Stephani (Aaron), Jayson (Heather), and Danielle (Tristan); Joe (Dana); Debbie (Tim), Fred (Heather), Bob and Elizabeth, Kayla, and Riley along with many extended family members and lifelong friends who will miss him dearly.