Stephen Kardos

Stephen Kardos of Jensen Beach, Florida, passed away on November 10, 2024 at the age of 82

Steve grew up in Irvington, NJ, with his parents, Fred and Ruth, and his sister, Debbie. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1964 and Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1968. His professional journey included five years of general medical practice, followed by a pediatric residency at Monmouth Medical Center, during which he obtained the first NJ Department of Health grant to follow development of all newborns cared for at Monmouth Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. He then opened his own pediatric practice in West Long Branch, NJ, where he worked as a general pediatrician for 13 years. He began to consult for NJ Blue Cross Blue Shield and eventually became the organization’s Chief Medical Officer. The experience convinced him of insurance companies’ inability to humanely and successfully manage healthcare, and in 1991 he founded Health Network America (HNA), a health plan administration company that worked directly with patients and their doctors. He later served as Chairman of the Board of A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, and throughout his career remained passionate about bringing the best-possible healthcare to the most number of people. 

Steve always found great joy in spending time with family. He offered unconditional love and support to his wife, children, and grandchildren, taking special pleasure in his role of “Gramps.” When not working, Steve could be found boating and fishing. He was rarely without a boat, and his cars were always diesel because they smelled more like boats that way. He took pride in sharing expertly cut filets with neighbors and friends. Other longtime interests included model railroad trains, golfing, and gardening.

Steve is predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Felice, and is survived by his sister, Debbie, his two children, Julie and Michael, his son-in-law, Rich, his daughter-in-law, Katie, and his five grandsons, Jacob, Aaron, Alex, Sam, and Wyatt, as well as by a wealth of extended family and friends. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. The family asks that donations be made to savethechildren.org.

A brief burial service for Steve will be held graveside on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, 189 Gill Lane, Iselin, NJ, followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. at Joseph Levine and Sons, 4737 Street Road, Trevose, PA. The family will return to the residence of Julie Kardos and Rich Diefes for Shiva following the Memorial Service.