Obituary of Stephen E. Codella, M.D.

Stephen E. Codella, MD, 31, of Cherry Hill, NJ, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, January 27th, 2022, surrounded in comfort by his family and dog. Stephen was a talented musician and caring physician. Beloved son of Mark Stephen Codella, MD and Catherine Daphne Codella, MD (Nee: Nicolaides) and brother of Alexandra Codella. Grandson, nephew, godfather, dear friend, and dog dad. Stephen left us far too soon. The life and light of every room he entered, Steve was born at Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia in 1990. He grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Voorhees, New Jersey with a guitar in his hands and a concert venue in his basement. He attended high school at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, where he played club hockey and saxophone in the jazz band. As his biggest fan, Steve’s sister looked up to him and wanted to be wherever he was, including following him to his undergraduate alma mater – Fordham University, and moving to Philadelphia like he did after graduation. Steve graduated from Fordham in 2012 with a BS in Biology. Some of Stephen’s hobbies included working out, assembling legos, reading comic books, obtaining his black belt in Karate, and all things Star Wars (especially the first trilogy made). Even with all of these hobbies plus his most important pursuits - the frontman of multiple bands, playing hockey, golfing, traveling the world, hiking, and snowboarding - Steve somehow still found time to pursue a career in medicine. He attended Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, earning his Doctorate of Medicine degree in 2016. He pursued a residency in Internal Medicine at Temple University Hospital where he went on to become an Attending Physician in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine before being accepted into Temple’s Fellowship program in Pulmonary and Critical Care. He will forever be honored as a member of the Fellowship Class of 2023. The halls of Temple University Hospital will mourn the loss of a caring and dedicated physician whose intelligence, compassion, and smile helped innumerable patients, students, and colleagues. His witty humor, magnetic charm, and enviable charisma made him the center of attention, much to Steve’s own delight. Steve is best known as a talented musician – songwriter, lyricist, guitarist, bassist, pianist, drummer, saxophonist, singer – to name a few. He always had his songbook and guitar pick by his side, ready to scribe his lyrics or work out a riff at a moment’s notice. He leaves us with a prolific catalog of original music and recordings for all to enjoy and remember him for years to come. In addition to his dear parents and sister, Steve leaves behind his faithful dog Archer, whom he loved more than words can express. Steve was known to cut many a night with friends short so that he could go home and cuddle with his furry friend. Steve adopted several rescue dogs throughout his life, whom he treated like family, and were always a main source of happiness and pride. Stephen died in the home he was proud to own and decorate in his unique style, surrounded in love by his father, Mark, mother, Catherine, sister, Alex and dog, Archer. While his last months were consumed with fighting against an aggressive cancer to which his body eventually succumbed, his final days were spent with close friends and family from morning until night, honoring Steve by enjoying his favorite movies, songs, and meals, and ensuring his final memories were lively and upbeat. Steve did not lose his fight to cancer - Steve and his spirit beat cancer in the way he lived and loved every day he was given on this Earth, up until the last. To say he will be missed cannot begin to express the hole his loss leaves in the countless lives he has touched. All who knew Steve are invited to attend a public visitation and celebration of Steve’s life Thursday, February 3rd from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm at St. Simon Stock Catholic Church, 178 West White Horse Pike, Berlin, NJ 08009. A second opportunity for viewing will be held Friday, February 4th, from 9:30 am - 11:00 am, again at St. Simon Stock Church. A Catholic funeral mass will begin at 11:00 AM and Rite of Committal will follow at Locustwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Steve’s name to one of three charities chosen to honor Steve. MatchDog Rescue is a canine rescue community in South Jersey through which Steve adopted his dog, Archer. Donations can be made through their website at www.matchdogrescue.org/donate. Donations in Steve’s name can also be made to Musicopia Charity of Philadelphia, a non–profit organization whose priority is to provide underserved children opportunities to experience, learn, perform, and appreciate music through music education programs and instrument donations. Donations are accepted at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/musicopia-inc. Please choose “Dedicate this Gift” to donate In Memory of Steve. Finally donations can be made in Stephen’s honor to Fox Chase Cancer Center for sarcoma research at https://www.foxchase.org/giving/ways-give/donate-now. Please check off under the tribute section “Yes, this is an honor or memorial gift” to donate In Memory of Steve.