Stephen James Allcott lived a life marked by quiet faith, service to others, and strength of character.
At an early age, Steve asked Jesus into his heart. Steve walked with God throughout his life, and on Jan. 13, 2026, he met His Lord and Savior face to face.
Steve passed away from complications following his private battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a terminal neuromuscular disease commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Although ALS affected his body, it never dimmed his faith, his generosity, or his gentle spirit. He faced his illness with courage, trusting fully in the Lord he loved.
Steve was born on Jan. 3, 1969, at Cottage Hospital to Frank and Mary Gates Allcott. He and his younger brother David grew up in Santa Barbara in a faith-filled home.
Steve attended Community Christian School, Santa Barbara Christian School, Santa Barbara High, Westmont College, and UCSB graduating with a degree in business economics.
His career in accounting took him from a job at CMC Rescue to a position of corporate accounting and auditing at Damitz Brooks Nightingale Turner & Morrisset, then a role as financial controller at Network Hardware Resale, and finally as the manager of internal audit at Select Staffing and then Personal Partners.
Steve earned professional respect as a CPA, CGMA and CIA. He served on the Board of Directors for AIR Consulting and was a board member and chief financial officer of the Santa Barbara Special Enforcement Team Foundation.
From childhood, Steve had a fascination with ropes, tools, science, and mechanical equipment. He enjoyed outdoor adventures and was involved in Boy Scouts.
In high school he joined the Explorer Scout program and for the next 27 years served with dedication as an active volunteer with Los Padres Search and Rescue Team.
He was a member of the Mountain Rescue Association and was certified for swift water rescue and as a Wilderness EMT. Over the years he served the team as an incident commander and on the Board of Directors as team president and treasurer, and in various instructor roles.
Steve also enjoyed spending time working outdoors on a variety of projects for the local Raintree Ranch.
Along the way, God brought a wonderful woman into Steve’s life, and he and Jennifer Gallo were married in 2012. They shared their love for one another and their love for the Jesus.
While they were both independent, they made a good team and complemented each other well. They enjoyed many travel adventures and activities with friends and neighbors.
Kindness, thoughtfulness, helpfulness and cheerfulness were marks of Steve’s character as he lived out his faith. Whether he was rescuing a lost hiker, assisting someone with their taxes, cheering on his co-workers, making meals for neighbors, or helping family and friends with repairs and construction projects, he shared his many talents generously and joyfully.
God’s love shined through him in practical and tangible ways as he served others throughout his life. We give thanks for Steve’s life, for the love he shared, and for the faith in Christ that sustained him.
Steve is survived by his wife Jennifer; parents Frank and Mary; brother David nephews Benjamin and Christoffer; niece Victoria; aunt Georgia Allcott Cuxil; and sister-in-law Andrea Gallo. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Lynette Bramson Allcott.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 at Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara, 1 N. Calle Cesar Chavez.
Contributions in Steve’s memory may be made to Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara, 1 N. Calle Cesar Chavez, Ste. 21, Santa Barbara, CA 93103; the ALS Network, PO Box 7082, Woodland Hills, California, 91365; or Team Gleason, PO Box 24493, New Orleans, LA 70184.