High-tech businessman Munson, a downtown advocate, dead at 56

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Steve Munson | Sun-Times Media File Photo

Updated: November 30, 2011 12:42AM

Steve Munson, a downtown Elgin businessman, co-founder of BocaJump.com, software developer, co-founder of Everyware Inc. and an advocate for downtown Elgin, died early Thursday evening at Provena Saint Joseph Hospital.

Munson, 56, was the husband of Ruth Munson, a former Elgin City Council member and Illinois state representative. He had been diagnosed in late June with a rare form of bone cancer.

The news of Steve Munson’s death passed through the community quickly via Facebook posts, and several in the community reached out to the family through the social media site.

“I am so, so saddened to hear of the loss of your dear husband Steve and father of your children; and beloved friend to so many,” Jennifer Almanza wrote to Ruth.

At downtown Elgin restaurant Villa Verone, already set for its weekly Person of the Week event, many used the opportunity to eulogize Munson. The Everyware offices were above the restaurant for several years.

Pietro Verone, Villa Verone’s owner, gave a toast.

“I would like to take a couple of seconds to wish him farewell. Our hearts go out to Ruth, and we will miss him. He was a good friend and a good neighbor and we will miss him,” Verone said.

“What can you say about Steve that isn’t nice,” Verone added. “He will be missed in this town, he will be missed by everybody. In the last three years, we have lost some of the best people,” Verone added, mentioning Pat Keeney of Keeney’s Sporting Goods, who passed away after her own cancer fight last year.

Munson was considered a driving force in Elgin’s technology community and was one of the first to lobby for high-speed Internet access for downtown Elgin. Steve and Ruth founded Everyware in 1987 and its clients included AT&T.

“He promoted downtown and loved downtown. You couldn’t drive through downtown without seeing Steve Munson. He was a staple down here,” said Betsy Couture. When her own husband died nine years ago, “Steven and Ruth were there all of the way for us,” she said.

“The Elgin community lost a terrific leader, a driving force behind the Downtown Neighborhood Association, a person that that organization and many others relied upon. Steve was dependable, he was always there, and he will be missed,” said Elgin Community College trustee John Dalton, a DNA member.

Munson served on the United Way of Elgin board and was a member at the First Congregational Church. He is survived by Ruth and children Olivia and Ryan.

Funeral services are pending.