Steven Rory Warrick

Steven Rory Warrick, 59, of Frederick, MD, died on December 19, 2025 at Frederick Health Hospital. Born April 6, 1966 in Nashville, TN, and raised in Findlay, OH, Steve was the son of Marilyn K. (Peterman) Warrick and the late William J. Warrick. Steve and Michele Hartley were married for nearly 27 years.

In elementary school, Steve attended an international festival that left an indelible impression. From Bowling Green State University he received a bachelor’s degree in multicultural development, organization and change. From Western Kentucky University, he received a master’s degree in folk studies and embarked on the life of a folklorist documenting cultural traditions and histories of communities in places such as Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and West Virginia.

Steve’s mom said he was always content with a book in hand. His love of free and open access to information, a desire to properly mow the lawn, grow his garden, and ensure the house was well taken care of led him to local library work. In West Virginia, he worked at Shepherd University’s Scarborough Library and the Martinsburg Public Library. He received his master’s degree in library science from Clarion University. After moving to Frederick, MD, he worked for Montgomery County Public Libraries, most recently as a regional manager.

Steve cultivated a garden in each of his homes. He pored over gardening books, hung bird feeders, had a talent for selecting the most perfect paint colors for each room in the house, gazed at the moon, and suggested others do so too. His home was never complete without pets. He walked his dog to his mom’s apartment every morning to check in. He listened to endless reels of vast and varied music, from old time country music and funk, to punk and hard bop. He was a creative thinker who prized creativity in others. He enjoyed free-flowing conversations. He was a perceptive gift giver with a penchant for picking out endearing nicknames. He liked merriment with a dash of mischief. He was private and drawn to traveling backroads.

Steve never wanted for much. He believed in treating people with humanity. He believed in asking questions and making space for sharing ideas and resources. He believed that everything would work out without necessarily needing to define what that looked like. At his core he was curious, caring, considerate, quiet, thoughtful, optimistic, and kind.

Steve is survived by his spouse, mom, aunt, cousins, in-laws (mother, father, sister and brother), niece, and dear friends near and far.

Michele would like to thank the countless folks who brought food and gifts, sent messages and care packages, sat in the discomfort of tears, regularly checked in, and visited from far and near to provide loving kindness and support.

A private graveside service was held at Morris Orchard Natural Burial site under the care of Brandenburg and Stein Funeral Parlor. When the weather warms, a gathering for fellowship and remembrance will occur.

Anyone wishing to remember Steve through a donation, please do by donating to your favorite animal rescue, arboretum, botanical garden, or friends of the library group on his behalf.