Stephen "Steve" Michael Tensi

Stephen Michael Tensi, affectionately known as "Pops", 81, of Boone, NC, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, March 15, 2024.

Son of the late Richard & Rose Marie Tensi, Steve was born in Cincinnati, OH, on December 8, 1942.

From an early age, Steve had a passion for sports. Steve was a star quarterback for Elder High School and forward on the basketball team that went undefeated during their regular season (a first in the school's history). His exceptional athleticism captured the attention of numerous college scouts. By the end of his high school career, he received twenty-eight full football, and four full basketball scholarship offers.

Ultimately, Steve chose to attend Florida State University where he met his future wife, Barbara Jean Nasrallah, during their first day of freshman orientation. They eloped to Thomasville, GA, on February 9, 1963, and remained married for 61 years. During his '64 - '65 senior year as quarterback at FSU, he helped lead the Seminoles to a 10-1-1 record, including a win over Florida (the first time in school history), as well as a win in the Gator Bowl. During the Bowl win against Oklahoma (another first for FSU), Steve won MVP honors for throwing five touchdown passes in a 33-19 win for the Seminoles, a record that still stands today. He was inducted into the FSU Hall of Fame and the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame. He graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Industrial Arts and a minor in Physical Education.

He signed his NFL contract with the San Diego Chargers while walking off the field following the Gator Bowl victory. He played in San Diego for two years and was traded to the Denver Broncos in 1967 for two first round draft picks. He played in Denver for four years before injuries forced him into retirement. After his NFL career concluded, he transitioned into a role as a quarterbacks coach at Wichita State University for two seasons. He then went on to coach wide receivers for the Chicago Fire of the World Football League.

After his football career ended, he relocated his family to Miami, FL, where he became a construction manager and carpenter for many years. In 1988 he moved his family to Boone, NC, and continued his career in construction while building their dream home in the mountains where he and his wife resided for 25 years.

A devout Christian, prayer warrior and family man, Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara Jean of Boone; sister Marilyn Bennett, brother David and wife Terry, brother Fr. Larry, all of Cincinnati, OH; daughter Barbara Marie Tensi, son Steve Jr. and wife Ruth Ann, all of Asheville, NC; daughter Holly Tensi Townsend and husband Eric of Fleetwood, NC; son Jonathan David and wife Amy, of Blowing Rock, NC; grandchildren Derrick and wife Alyssa Pruitt, Brittney Tensi and husband Travis Potts, Amber and husband Doug Spitzer, Jade Tensi and significant other Ryan Jackels, Alex and wife Katrina Tensi, Tori Tensi and fiancé Aaryn Drapiza, Nick Tensi and significant other Olivia Miller, Hadlie Nichols and significant other Zeke Frye; and great-grandchildren Mason, Graham, Sawyer, Eloise, Calvin, Nash, Franklin, Carson, Hayes, and Rylee. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will host a celebration of life on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Alliance Bible Fellowship in Boone from 2pm – 3pm, presided by Reverend David Ricker. An informal visitation will follow at the church for any family or friends who wish to visit and share memories with the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family wishes to thank caregivers Gabe Irwin, Angel Norris, Amber Neaves, and Maddie Norris for their exceptional love and care of Steve. We are also grateful to Watauga Medical Center, Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation, and Medi Home Health & Hospice for their loving care of Steve and our family during his final weeks and days.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.