Stephen E. Bishop

Stephen E. Bishop, age 70, of Schaumburg, passed away Friday, February 6, 2026 unexpectedly at home. 

He was born December 17, 1955, in Evanston, Illinois, the son of Ronald and Joan (Sargent) Bishop.

Stephen passed away while doing what he had spent nearly four decades loving: working on his amateur radio equipment. A licensed Amateur Radio Operator since 1987, he held the highest level of FCC certification as an Extra Class operator. Known by his call sign WY9V, he connected with operators across the globe and earned numerous international awards for his dedication and skill.

Radio was more than a hobby for him. It was a reflection of who he was: a lifelong student of electronics, a meticulous technician, and a relentless problem solver. Whether soldering delicate transistors, building and tuning equipment, or chasing distant signals across continents, he approached the craft with precision and passion.

Professionally, he was a certified Microsoft Systems Engineer (MCSE) and a trusted technical expert, providing white-glove IT support to senior executives, as well as more than 20 years of experience working for American and United throughout the entire airport, hangar, baggage system, and tower. His knowledge spanned networking, Unix and Linux systems, and advanced electronics, but what set him apart was not just what he knew, it was how deeply he cared about getting things right.

He was equally devoted to building and to the machines that carried us across land and sky. From the woodshop he assembled from scratch in his garage, to the miles he logged on his Trek road bike, he lived with curiosity and momentum. In his earlier years, he embraced the open road on long cross-country motorcycle trips, riding across vast stretches of the country with the same independence and focus that defined the rest of his life. He had earned a pilot’s license, even flying engine-less gliders years ago. He looked forward to annual trips to the Oshkosh Air Show and dreaming about what model he would spend his “billion dollar lottery winnings” building from scratch. He often joked that he married Pamela because her small hands would help him reach tight spaces to rivet.

Stephen cherished the classic lines of his Chevelle and El Camino in his younger years too, appreciating well-built machines in every form. He was a hunter throughout his life, and remained an active marksman who enjoyed regular time at the range. He carried a lifelong appreciation for craftsmanship, discipline, and the freedom of the open air.

He often reminded those around him, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it,” and believed it was “easier to catch flies with honey than vinegar.” Above all, he loved his wife, Pamela, and cherished his loyal dog, Morticia. He was a husband, a protector, a builder, and a man who never stopped fixing, learning, and improving the world around him.

Stephen is survived by his beloved wife of Pamela of 22 years, children William Garza (Mackenzie Williams) of Schaumburg, & Peter (Kristen) Garza of Hoffman Estates, grandchildren P.J., Tyler, Elliot & Ollie Garza; brother Mike (Marybeth) Bishop, their children Mark &Jonathan; sister Pat (Gene) Unterman, their children Aaron (Alexis) & Natalie, Julie (Parker) Sovey & Ryker, McKinley, Jeff, Cole, Chase, & Camden; sister Peg Bishop (Al Murray), children Ben (Jessica) Shepley, their children Mikala & Mason, Allison (Donnie) O’Neil, their children Ronan & Kennedy, Caitlin Gaytan & child Melanie, Matt (Beth) Saip & children Ella, Kylie, Conner; brother Tom (Sue) Bishop & children Chris (Maggie) Bishop, children Theo & Cora, Bryon (Hannah) Bishop, & Courtney (Seth) Haroldson; brother Jim (Tracy) Bishop & children Jared & Jake; brother Scott (Annmarie) Bishop & child Julia.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert, & parents, Joan and Ronald.  

Visitation for Stephen will be held Sunday, February 15, 2026  from 1pm-5pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva, IL.

Funeral service will be held Monday, February 16, 2026 at 10:30 am at Malone Funeral Home.

Burial will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Geneva.

Information 630-232-8233 or visit malonefh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen E. Bishop, please visit our floral store.