Obituaries/Viewings
Stephen A. Winiarczyk | 91
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Stephen A. Winiarczyk, 91, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Elk Haven Nursing Home.
He was born December 13, 1933, in Erie, PA, son of the late Walter and Mary Szymanski Winiarczyk. He attended the Erie catholic school system throughout his elementary school years and credits the nuns there for shaping his early life after the passing of his mother at an early age. He worked at both Speer Carbon and Keystone Carbon and found time to do some bartending at The Peacock to support his growing family. Steve was proud of his service to his country, serving in the United States Army during the Korean War. He earned both the National Defense Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. While serving in Korea, Steve started a pen pal relationship with a nursing student. Over the next 18 months the pen pals learned more about each other. Upon his discharge and return to the USA, the couple began dating and she became the love of his life. Steve married Dolores “Dody” Lang on October 20, 1956, at the Queen of the World Church. They were blessed to share sixty-eight years of marriage together.
In addition to his wife, Steve is survived by two daughters: Sally Winiarczyk (Cindy) of Midlothian, VA and Laura Siegel (Steven) of York, PA; three sons: Stephen Winiarczyk (Stephanie) of Savannah, GA, Thomas Winiarczyk (Diane) of Dallas, PA, and John Winiarczyk (Lori) of Medford, NJ; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; a brother, John Winiarczyk (Rosemary) of Erie, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Winiarczyk; three sisters Dolores Mankosky, Virginia Josefowicz, and Doris Deangelo; and three brothers: Richard, Henry, and Bernard Winiarczyk.
He was a member of Queen of the World Church and was active in the church’s ministries including Meals on Wheels and communion for the sick and homebound. Steve enjoyed family beach vacations, playing cards (pinochle was his favorite!), helping coach his boys in Knothole, the brothers bowling tournament in Erie and golfing especially the yearly golf buddies’ trip to Virginia. Most of all, Steve was a devoted husband and family man who cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Queen of the World Church on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10:00AM, with Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, celebrating. Full military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
There will be no visitation.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.
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So sorry to learn of Steve’s death. A Wonderful Husband and Father, a steadfast friend, and a man of Faith.
So sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Dean, Mary, & Ryan Hanes
So sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Dean, Mary, & Ryan Hanes
Aunt Dody, I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Steve’s passing. I remember you coming to Erie when I was younger. And I loved receiving Christmas cards with notes from you. You and Uncle Steve were always so kind. Please pass on my condolences to your family. Love, Linda Morgan, Ziggy and Virginia Jozefowicz daughter
So sorry for your loss. Uncle Steve always had a smile on his face. This is Alice Kendziora, daughter of Virginia Jozefowicz. I lost my husband, Ken, 4 years ago. Thoughts and prayers for Aunt Dody and family. Love to all
I’m so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. I had the privilege of serving as an altar server at Queen of the World over 20 years ago, and I’ll never forget the honor of being asked by Steve to serve at the Mass celebrating his and Dody’s 50th wedding anniversary. Growing up attending the 5 PM Saturday Mass, Steve and Dody were one of those couples who left a lasting impression on me—always kind, always present. My deepest condolences to your entire family during this time.
We are so sorry for your loss. Steve was a kind and pleasant man.