Dr. Steven T. Van Gorden, 58, of Lancaster, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017, surrounded by family after a brief but courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He was the husband of Bernie (Bernetta) Marcin Van Gorden, with whom he shared 32 years of marriage this past June. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of Donna Ewing Van Gorden of Lancaster, and the late Lloyd S. Van Gorden. Steve was a 1977 graduate of Conestoga Valley High School, and earned a BS in Biology at Ursinus College. He then attended the Pennsylvania College of Optometry for 4 years. He was an optometrist, working for HealthDrive for the past 21 years. Steve was known for his sense of humor and had a joke for every occasion. In his spare time, he loved to golf with his friends. He was a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan and was a serious fantasy football manager. He was a M*A*S*H aficionado and could recite lines from every episode. Steve recently attended his 40th class reunion at Conestoga Valley in October and he was happy to spend time with his classmates, enjoying stories and laughing about the past. In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his children, all of Lancaster: Caitlin E., Allison M. and Zachary S.; his siblings Lisa Blowers of Conestoga, Scott married to Lori (Boyd) Van Gorden of Lancaster, and Gerri Kopp of Elizabethtown; his mother-in-law Ann Marcin of Tamaqua and several nephews and a niece. A time of Sharing and Celebration of Steve's life will take place on January 13, 2018 at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. Family and friends will be received 9:30-10:30am. A time of sharing special memories and stories will then begin at 10:30am. Steve would want this day to be a relaxed gathering, so casual dress is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the STEVEN VAN GORDEN EDUCATION BENEFIT ACCOUNT for the education of his children. Donations can be sent to Wells Fargo 1800 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.