Steve “Coach” Schein, 74
Steve “Coach” Schein, 74, of Royersford, husband of Stephanie (Jones) Schein, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Samuel and Marlene (Meyerson) Schein.
To many, Steve was simply “Coach.” To those who knew him well, he was a solid, steady man whose life was marked by honesty, discipline, and integrity. He believed in doing things the right way. He lived within the lines, respected the rules, and never wavered from what he believed was right. He did not need many words to make his point. Steve had a way of communicating clearly, sometimes with just a look, and the people around him always knew where he stood. More importantly, they always knew they could count on him.
Steve was an athlete from an early age, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in Levittown, he went on to play football at West Chester University and remained active throughout his life. For many years he played in men’s softball leagues, and in more recent years he found great joy in pickleball, where he built friendships and, from all accounts, still let his competitive side show now and then. He believed in caring for both mind and body, and he never really stopped training either one.
He began his career in education at Spring-Ford, where he taught and coached football and wrestling. He later spent close to 30 years at Upper Merion, where he taught Health and Physical Education and served as head football coach from 1983 to 1999. Over 17 seasons, he led his teams to 115 wins and earned the respect of players, families, colleagues, and friends. He was inducted into the Bristol Township School District Athletic Hall of Fame in November 2013, the Spring-Ford Football Wall of Honor in 2014, the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2020, and the Montgomery County Coaches Hall of Fame on November 26, 2024.
Even after retiring from teaching, Steve never truly retired from coaching. He returned to Spring-Ford as an assistant coach for the Rams and remained a steady presence there for years. Coaching was never just something he did; it was part of who he was. He also coached Little League baseball and, when he saw areas where youth sports needed stronger leadership, he stepped forward to help. He was one of the key founders of Spring-Ford’s youth football and cheerleading program, believing strongly in creating opportunities for young athletes and building a strong foundation for the community.
Steve was also a mentor in the truest sense. He loved working with athletes in the weight room and valued the lessons learned there just as much as the physical training. He believed a strong body and a strong mind mattered in every sport and in life. Over the years, he offered guidance and support not only to students, but also to fellow coaches. He led more by action than by words. What he did was intentional, steady, and true.
Above all, Steve was devoted to his family. He was always in his son Ben’s corner, a quiet but steady guide whose belief in Ben’s heart, head, character and adventuresome spirit was always present. He was also always in Stephanie’s corner, offering constant support, especially as she built her business. He stood beside her in uncertain moments, believed in her completely, and celebrated her strength, independence, and spirit.
Steve was much admired, deeply respected, and loved by many. His life was not about drawing attention to himself, but about showing up, doing things well, and being someone others could rely on. That kind of life leaves a lasting mark.
Surviving, along with his wife, Stephanie, are his son, Benjaminh Joseph Schein; his brothers, Daniel Schein and Joe Schein, husband of Eileen; and his niece, Samantha Schein.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Ltd., 329 N. Lewis Rd., Royersford, PA 19468. Visitation will be held Thursday from 3:00 to 5:45 PM at the funeral home.