Steve Orloff Obituary, Scott Orloff Death: Beloved CBS Sports Network Camera Operator and NFL Fixture, Springfield MA Legend, Passes Away at 71 After Courageous Cancer Battle Steve Orloff, a respected pioneer in sports broadcasting and cherished camera operator for CBS Sports Network, passed away at 71, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the field of sports media.
Steve Orloff Obituary, Scott Orloff Death: Beloved CBS Sports Network Camera Operator and NFL Fixture, Springfield MA Legend, Passes Away at 71 After Courageous Cancer Battle
Steve Orloff, a respected pioneer in sports broadcasting and cherished camera operator for CBS Sports Network, passed away at 71, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the field of sports media. Steve’s career spanned decades, making him a fixture in the industry and a beloved figure in his hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts. His death, confirmed by family members on January 5th, 2025, follows a valiant and courageous battle with cancer that inspired all who knew him. The loss of Steve Orloff has sent ripples of sorrow through his family, friends, colleagues, and the broader sports community.
Born in Springfield on July 14, 1953, Steve Orloff was the son of Michael and Claire Orloff, who instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and community pride. Steve’s upbringing in Springfield shaped his dedication to excellence and his lifelong love for sports. A standout student with an aptitude for creativity, he graduated from Peabody High School, where he earned accolades in academics and sports.
Steve’s passion for communication and technology led him to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he majored in broadcast communications. His time at UMass Amherst proved transformative, as he honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling through media. With his sights set on a career in broadcasting, Steve wasted no time pursuing his dreams.
Shortly after college, Steve began his journey with CBS Sports Network, where he quickly made a name for himself. Over the years, Steve contributed to iconic broadcasts, including Super Bowls, World Series games, the Olympics, and NFL matchups. His ability to capture the raw emotion of athletes, the intensity of the game, and the energy of the crowd was unparalleled. Behind the camera, Steve was a master artist, transforming sports moments into timeless memories for millions of viewers worldwide.
Despite his national recognition, Steve Orloff never lost touch with his roots in Springfield. He frequently returned home to give back to his community, participating in charity events, mentoring aspiring broadcasters, and speaking at local schools. His humility and gratitude for his hometown resonated deeply, making him not only a professional success but also a local hero.
Steve’s work ethic and technical expertise earned him the respect and admiration of his peers. Described by colleagues as “the ultimate professional,” Steve was renowned for his ability to remain calm under pressure, solve technical challenges seamlessly, and elevate the quality of any production he worked on. Beyond his talents, Steve’s warmth, humor, and generosity endeared him to everyone he met. His willingness to mentor younger professionals reflected his commitment to fostering excellence in the next generation of broadcasters.
His personal life was just as rich as his professional one. Steve cherished his family, especially his younger brother Scott Orloff, who shared his love for sports and broadcast media. Scott, also a Springfield native, followed a similar path, becoming an esteemed figure in sports broadcasting. Together, the brothers left an indelible mark on the industry, earning recognition not only for their talents but also for their dedication to their craft.
Tragically, Scott Orloff passed away in 2021, a loss that profoundly affected Steve and the entire Orloff family. Scott’s death was a moment of shared grief for the Springfield community and the sports world, but it also became a rallying point for celebrating the achievements and enduring legacy of the Orloff brothers. Steve carried Scott’s memory with him in everything he did, continuing to work with the same passion and integrity that had defined their careers.
As Steve battled cancer in recent years, he faced his challenges with the same resilience and optimism that characterized his life. Even during his treatments, he remained active in his work, producing and mentoring until his final days. His courage and positivity inspired countless friends, colleagues, and fans.
Steve Orloff’s passing is a monumental loss for Springfield and the broadcasting industry at large. His impact extended far beyond the technical brilliance of his work. Steve brought people together, captured the essence of sportsmanship, and exemplified the values of dedication, kindness, and humility.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established by Steve’s family to support cancer research and to honor his memory by creating opportunities for young individuals pursuing careers in broadcasting. Contributions can be made here to celebrate Steve’s life and his enduring passion for mentorship and community building.
The Orloff family plans to host a public memorial service in Springfield in the coming weeks to honor Steve’s life and legacy. Details will be announced soon, allowing his many friends, colleagues, and admirers to pay their respects.
Steve Orloff’s memory lives on in the indelible images he captured, the lives he touched, and the values he exemplified. He will forever be remembered as a trailblazer in sports media, a loving brother and friend, and a proud son of Springfield. May he rest in peace.