OBITUARY: U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Steve Tuller, 86, of Melbourne, Passed Away Oct. 14

resident of Indian River Colony Club

Steve Tuller, 86, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, due to complications from a recent surgery. He previously resided in DuBois, PA, from 1999 until 2019, when he and his wife relocated to the Indian River Colony Club in Florida.

He was born April 18, 1939, in Brooklyn, NY, graduated from James Madison High School in 1956, and immediately entered the United States Coast Guard as a seaman recruit.

While serving on active duty, he earned a bachelor’s degree in administration from George Washington University and a master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University.

He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 03 in 1977 and subsequently returned to the organization as a civilian, serving in various management positions at Coast Guard Headquarters. In 1987, he was named Chief of the Health and Safety Division of the Pacific Area, USCG, from which he retired in 1999.

His passion was the Coast Guard, but he derived tremendous pleasure from sharing his knowledge and love of flags with all he met. As a vexillologist, he possessed over 150 flags representing nations, states, the military, and history, among others. All could be seen flying at some time below Old Glory on his front and rear flagpoles.

In addition, he devoted numerous hours in retirement to community involvement, serving on the Treasure Lake Board of Directors and later as a board member of the Indian River Colony Club.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Tuller of Melbourne, and a brother, Michael Tuller, and spouse, Elena of Brooklyn, NY, along with a nephew Ezra, his wife, Miriam, and their six children.

He will be laid to rest with full military honors on November 3, 2025, at 1130 in the Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, FL, with Rabbi Patricia Hickman officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow on November 22, 2025, in his beloved community of Indian River Colony Club, Melbourne, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, suggested memorial donations include the Indian River Colony Club Foundation, 1936 Freedom Drive, Melbourne, FL 32940, or the charity of your choice.

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