Stephen Michael Caldwell

With tremendous sadness I announce the tragic and unexpected passing of Stephen Michael Caldwell, 63, on May 30th, 2025, due to cardiac arrest while undergoing an angiogram. Steve was born at the St. Helena Hospital to Donald R. Caldwell and Doris R. (Ackley) Caldwell on July 12, 1961, and graduated from Napa High School with the class of 1979.

Steve headed to Phoenix, AZ in 1982 to pursue a degree in automotive repair and graduated at the top of his class from the Arizona Automotive Institute. He remained in Phoenix for eight years, making friends and working with some top-notch techs which he credited for his foundational skills. He returned to Napa in 1990 and was employed by various dealerships and shops throughout Napa and in Suisun, Novato, and Walnut Creek over the next 18 years. Steve became an ASE Certified Master Auto Tech to satisfy an employer in 2004 and did so without any test prep materials - which is not typical - just strictly based on his knowledge and experience. In 2008, Steve was unemployable while still recovering from rotator cuff surgery and opted to own/operate Steve's Performance Mobile Auto Repair which remained in operation to his passing. Steve could work on all makes/models of daily drivers as well as high- performance hot rods and race car mods and tuning. It was hard work, never having a rack, chasing down his own parts, and working in some adverse conditions.

Steve bought his prized 1972 Pontiac Ventura after high school from his best friend's sister, which later became a very sentimental connection when she passed in 1996. Steve loved that car and worked on it over the years, always making the Ventura faster and working better, and he would occasionally test at Sears Point (Sonoma Raceway). It was at the race track that he met his future wife Lisa in March 1994. They bonded through drag racing and married in June 1995 and created the Caldwell Racing Team. Together they traveled to many race tracks and made many friends along the way. Steve's drive for improvements to the cars paid off with race wins and notorious crowd-pleasing wheelies for both cars. Steve was a multi-time class champion for Sonoma Raceway and one of his many racing achievements was winning the Infineon Raceway (Sonoma) "King of the Track" in 2008 over all other class champions. He also won his 2nd NHRA Wally in 2018. During covid, racing was minimal, so Steve decided to register and insure his race car and would drive it on the street to Cars and Coffee, and he always knew he was the fastest car in the parking lot.

Before drag racing was so big in his life, Steve was an avid bowler during high school and at one time considered going professional. He bowled for years in Napa leagues and bowled a 300 game in 1995. Steve also practiced Tai Kwon Dao during his childhood and in his mid-40s joined Kenpo Karate classes at Main Street Martial Arts where he obtained his Black Belt in March 2011. He was a big 49ers fan and also enjoyed fishing and water skiing, and he could ski for miles at Lake Berryessa before finally tossing the rope. Steve had a soft spot in his heart for wildlife, and he loved his pet cat Buster, who traveled to and from AZ & CA with Steve. There were many more cats through Steve and Lisa's life which he loved like children. Steve also had a presence on social media, particularly in Pontiac enthusiast circles, as he enjoyed helping others with info and free tech support which created friendships with many across the country and international.

Steve is survived by his wife Lisa Caldwell (Chamberlin) of American Canyon; sister Stephanie (David) Hutson of Vacaville; sister Cecile Billeci of Bethel Island; mother-in-law Janice Chamberlin of Napa; nephews Matt Hutson, Anthony Billeci, Bryan Billeci, Doug Berlogar; nieces Lisa Hutson and Kelly Svenson; cousin Bryce (Lisa) Caldwell of Napa and their daughter Devin Caldwell; cousin Natalie (Chad) Buer of Colorado Springs; and many more extended relatives in Oklahoma and Oregon.

Steve was predeceased by his father and mother Donald and Doris Caldwell; his sister Cindy Berlogar; his brother-in-law Pete Billeci; and his father-in-law John Chamberlin.

A memorial service will be held at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa, CA on Thursday, June 26th at 11:00 am. A luncheon will immediately follow onsite. All attendees are encouraged to stay and join to memorialize Steve. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local veterinary clinic or animal sanctuary.

Steve had a strong opinion on many things and would happily share it directly. You never had to guess where you stood with him. For those closest to Steve, they also knew he was extremely funny, playful, and a jokester, as well as, an incredibly sensitive, caring, and loving man. He will be missed by many.

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