Steve Lama, former program producer and exec in TV and radio, dies at 70

Stephen C. Lama, known to most as Steve, died May 10 near his home in Encinitas, Calif., following a long illness with early onset Alzheimer’s. He was 70.

A Pasadena native, Steve was born April 13, 1955. He graduated from San Marino High School in 1973, attended Pasadena City College, and earned a degree in journalism from California State University, Long Beach. Steve was a kind, gentle and generous man who loved people and made friends wherever he went.

Early in his career, Steve found his passion in television at KCET in Los Angeles. He eventually transitioned into scheduling and programming working with Charles Impaglia. In 1986, while attending a public television conference, Steve met Lori Evans. Lori was working as a producer and station relations director at Maryland Public Television. Steve and Lori dated long-distance for two years. Their romance evolved, and in 1989 Steve moved across the country, accepting a position at PBS headquarters in Alexandria, Va. Steve and Lori were married in May 1990.

When Steve began working at PBS headquarters, he collaborated on pledge programming and later took on a role in performance programming. His work included developing a music series that featured iconic performers like Neil Young and k.d. lang, as well as other music performance specials. He was also was the PBS production liaison with WETA Public Television for the annual July 4th (A Capitol Fourth) and Memorial Day televised concerts.

Steve and Lori moved back to Los Angeles in 1994, and Steve became VP of programming for KUSC-FM and the University of Southern California’s classical music stations. His innovative approach to public radio earned him a spot in the Los Angeles Times’ “People to Watch” column.

Later, Steve took a surprising and exciting step into international media, joining Spafax, a company that curates entertainment and music content for major global airlines. His work brought him into close collaboration with aviation markets across the U.S., Europe, Korea and Thailand.

In his later years, Steve gave his time generously as a hospice volunteer, continuing his lifelong commitment to human connection and compassion.

Steve is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lori Evans Lama; his stepson, Brian Evans, and Brian’s wife, Alicia; and grandchildren Hunter, Abigail and Juniper. He also leaves behind beloved nieces Sheri Farber, Michele Smith and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date to honor and remember Steve.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Steve’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Umbrella Project, a unique hiking program on the Appalachian Trail that supports grieving young adults.