March 8, 2024

It is with great sadness we share that Steve Harney, founder of Keeping Current Matters and a titan in the real estate industry, passed away suddenly this week. He was 68.

His departure leaves a void in the community; but his vision, principles, and passion for people will continue to shape our world for generations to come.

Steve’s legacy is imprinted in the fabric of the real estate business. He transformed agents into educators, guiding them through challenging times, and inspired leaders to be the beacons in their markets. His principles and unwavering courage left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him.

His character, family values, and commitment to helping others forged his successful career, turning him into a larger-than-life personality that influenced everyone around him. Steve was not just a businessman; he was a coach, a visionary, and a builder of people.

Born on April 23, 1955, in the Bronx, NY, he drew inspiration from his father and grew up surrounded by the art of telling stories. Steve’s leadership emerged early, marked by his involvement in his peer-to-peer student counseling group during high school, setting the stage for a lifetime of impactful coaching and mentoring. At the age of 21, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathy, who he continually referred to as “the most amazing woman he’s ever known.”

Steve’s career in real estate began in 1983. He quickly rose to prominence as one of the top producers nationally. Steve’s natural leadership ability led him to becoming head of the largest Prudential Realty office on Long Island in 1991.

In 1995, he founded his own brokerage, National Homefinders, a 500-agent firm that was defined by its focus on superior market knowledge and trailblazing company culture. Each of their 13 offices grew to become the leader in their marketplace. Notably, Steve championed the building of the area’s first Spanish Team, providing previously missing support for this growing community.

His passion for and commitment to real estate was unstoppable. In 2007, recognizing a need to prepare brokers and agents for what was coming in the real estate industry, Steve founded Keeping Current Matters.

As an accomplished trainer and speaker, he traveled the country for years, speaking to hundreds of teams and brokerages, with one mission: to help the best real estate professionals – and the families they served – navigate every challenge affecting the housing industry.

Steve’s vision was to equip as many agents as possible with the information, analysis, and data they needed to become not just real estate professionals, but trusted advisors. In 2016, he retired from day-to-day operations and passed the reins to his son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Charlotte Harney, but remained active as the founder until his last day.

Steve’s personality was a force of nature—larger than life, impactful, and generous. He led by example, valuing simplicity, courage, and treating everyone as if they were the most important in the world. His genuine care for people defined a life dedicated to helping others. This is highlighted not only in his career accomplishments but also decades of philanthropic work. After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, he and his wife, Kathy, spent three weeks working in Houston with the American Red Cross to help displaced survivors navigate this life-changing disaster.

He was also a long-time contributor to Habitat for Humanity. His company, National Homefinders, was one of the largest supporters and volunteer groups for the organization at the time he owned it, helping dozens of families achieve the dream of homeownership.

Above all else, Steve loved his family and friends. He cherished date nights with his wife, talking basketball with his sons, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy, three sons—Bill, Steven, and Kevin ‘Bone’ Gholson, along with his daughter-in-law Charlotte and grandchildren Graham and McRae. His siblings, JoAnn Uzzi, Michael and his wife Sue, and Ricky, mourn the loss of their brother.

He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, compassion, and a profound commitment to homeownership. Steve would say that his passing on March 4th was prophetic, as he would want all of us to march forth and continue the spirit of helping others that he lived by.

Details of a memorial service will be available soon and will be updated on this page as soon as they are finalized. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Habitat for Humanity, reflecting Steve’s lifelong dedication to the cause. You can do so here: https://habitat.org/donate

Also, if you would like to share stories or leave your condolences, you can do so at the Steve Harney Tribute page: https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/article/honoring-steve-harney/

Media Contact
Shannon Johnson
shannon.johnson@keepingcurrentmatters.com