Stephen Kalil

Stephen E. Kalil 9/23/1938 – 4/15/2025 Stephen Kalil, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 15, 2025. He was 86. Born in 1938 in the village of Kfarhoua, Lebanon, Stephen was the third of four children born to Elias Aboukalil and Mounifa Raffoul Aboukalil. In 1956, at the age of 18, he immigrated to the United States with his brother Michael and sister Lyla to join other family members. It was here that he would build a life full of love, legacy, and flavor. Stephen met Therese Cueter, and they were married in 1961. Together, they raised two children—Lisa and Stephen—and built not only a home but a family business that would become an east side institution. He began his career as a salesman for Everfresh, but in the evenings, he could be found in the kitchen, learning the art of making middle eastern pastries from his father-in-law, Bechera. That passion and entrepreneurial spirit led to the opening of Kalil International Foods in Harper Woods in the 1970s, a small storefront offering homemade mediterranean specialties. That humble shop would eventually grow into Steve’s Backroom, a beloved eatery known across southeast Michigan. After losing Therese in 1999, Stephen met Kathleen Magnotta and they were married in 2003 and shared 21 joyful years of travel, adventure, and companionship—including hosting a group tour of the Middle East and his beloved Lebanon. Stephen is survived by his devoted wife, Kathleen Kalil; his daughter Lisa Massad; his son Stephen Kalil and Gail Peisach; and his granddaughters Alexa Massad Powers (Jack) and Olivia Massad. He is also lovingly remembered by his stepchildren Alexis Magnotta (Michael Herschelmann) ,David Roman Magnotta(Bethanny), and Lara Magnotta Scharf(Michael); step-grandchildren Nicholas Allen, Mia Allen,Madison and Kennedy Scharf; his sister Najat Gize; and many cherished nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his step grandchildren Jacob and Willow (children of David Roman and Bethanny)siblings Michael and Lyla. Stephen’s legacy is one of love, generosity, and flavor—a man who brought people together over meals and memories. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A burial is scheduled for June 7, 2025 12 pm at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township followed by a lunch and celebration of life. A 40 day memorial is scheduled on June 8, 2025 Divine Liturgy at 11 am at Our Lady of Redemption Melkite Catholic Church, Warren MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Capuchin Soup Kitchen or Our Lady Of Redemption Church. Please share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com.

Stephen Kalil

September 23, 1938 - April 15, 2025