Stephen De Niese is no more – By TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE
These are the funeral services for our much loved Peterite Stephen:
Rosary service on Thursday 8th June at 7 pm
Funeral mass service on Friday the 9th at 11 am.
Both services will be held at Resurrection Church, 402 Corrigan Road Keysborough 3173.
We are requesting fellow Peterites to wear the college tie for the funeral service
It is likely that the funeral service will be live streamed,
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Stephen De Niese a wonderful friend and outstanding cricketer in Sri Lanka and Australia. He was 74.
Stephen was multi talented in Sport and music. Hailing from a musical family, parents Douglas and Estelle being outstanding vocalists and trainers of school choirs, one which was St. Mary’s College Dehiwala which I was privileged to be part of at a tender age.
His siblings, Peter, Alan, Richard and Chris, George and Damian and were all outstanding cricketers and musicians at St. Peter’s College Bambalapitiya.
He opened batting for St Peter’s in 1966 and ’67 as a stylish left hander. The extended family included sisters, Valerie, Marion, Paula and Camille which made the family of 10 nearly a Cricket team.
Stephen extended his cricketing exploits at Club level in Sri Lanka playing for Nondescripts Cricket club before migrating to Australia where he played at District level for Carlton Cricket Club and later for Lyndale Cricket Club in Dandenong and Dandenong West.
He captained, coached and imparted his superior knowledge to many young cricketers before giving it away a few years ago. He also played for Burwood as Captain coach.
He was founder member and Secretary of Old Peterites in Melbourne, playing in many annual ‘Big matches’ against arch rivals St Joseph’s.
He was an affable character who made friends easily, and was much loved by anyone who came in contact with him.
He leaves behind his lifelong sweetheart Marina and five kids who endured a heart breaking last few years as his health deteriorated rapidly until his demise.
May the turf he so dearly loved, rest lightly on him.
Further to my previous emails, whoever is unable to attend the funeral service in person could join via live stream link below.
https://monkhouse.com.au/live-streaming/client/?nid=c383b390-998e-44c9-8dc4-913264866b42
