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In Memoriam: Stephen Michael DiZio (October 5, 1950 – October 21, 2012) |
Steve DiZio 2008, right
It is with great sadness that ITRC acknowledges the passing of ITRC member and former ITRC Team Leader, Steve DiZio, Ph.D. on October 21, 2012. Steve was a dedicated member of ITRC and was involved in the organization as a leader, an author, and an instructor for 10 years or more. We at ITRC greatly appreciated working with Steve and extend our sentiments and condolences.
Steve was a member of Cal EPA’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) since 1987 and, most recently, served as Chief of the Cleanup Program’s Human and Ecological Risk Division and a Supervising Toxicologist at the Cal Center Regional Office. “Steve was an extraordinary human being who had a true thirst for scientific knowledge and a kind and loving heart,” said Cleanup Deputy Director Stewart Black. Steve majored in biology at Lafayette College in Easton, PA and earned a Ph.D. in genetics and developmental biology at the University of Delaware. After working for Wyeth Laboratories in New Jersey, Steve moved to California and joined DTSC. At DTSC he regularly gave invited lectures, prepared courtroom testimony, and testified before the California legislature.
Steve was an exemplary leader for ITRC and contributed significantly to the organization. He was the Team Leader of ITRC’s Risk Assessment Resources Team from 2003 to 2008. Under his leadership, the team addressed human health risk assessment principles and practices at state and federal agencies. Two documents were produced as part of this effort. Both documents are available for free on the ITRC website and have been downloaded thousands of times by individuals all over the world. In addition, Steve was instrumental in developing two very popular ITRC Internet based training courses. Over the last seven years, 4,300 people were trained via these courses. As a technical leader, he was able to impact thousands of people through ITRC by educating on risk assessment principals. Steve’s work with ITRC speaks for itself through the sheer number of people accessing the documents and training courses he helped produce. In 2012, Steve joined ITRC’s new Risk Assessment Team and was a dedicated member until he passed away. Steve traveled to ITRC meetings 3-4 times per year and, over the years, built many friendships with other ITRC members from a wide variety of backgrounds. He was enthusiastic about ITRC and especially loved working with and mentoring state risk assessors who were members of his ITRC Team. His contributions are greatly appreciated, and he will be missed.
The following quotes illustrate the positive impact Steve had on ITRC members:
 Steve DiZio 2006, center |
“Steve DiZio was a passionate man who lived for the answers and to question answers that the majority thought correct. Steve had genuine passion for the relationships that he was able to build with those who came together within ITRC. He deeply cared for each individual and showed great interest in their personal lives.” “I met Steve through ITRC on the risk assessment resources team. Steve welcomed me wholeheartedly. He was not only a tremendous technical resource to us all, but also a dear friend, colleague, and mentor. Steve was the one I called on when I had questions and he always had time for me. He will be sorely missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.” “I was lucky to be able to work with Steve on several ITRC teams. His dedication to science and mentoring the next generation of scientists and professionals was so strong and admirable. Steve will be sorely missed in many, many circles. His strong character, clear love of his family, and professional dedication make him a lifelong treasure for all of us that were fortunate enough to have known and worked with him.” |
Formal services were held for Steve October 31 at the Lima Family Milpitas Fremont Mortuary in Fremont, CA. An online guest book available through The Sacramento Bee is receiving thoughts and comments. It will be available for one year, closing on October 31, 2013.