Louis J Stepkovitch

Louis J. Stepkovitch, 85, of Olyphant, died Monday in AsceraCare Hospice, MidValley Hospital, Peckville, following a brief battle with leukemia.  He and his wife and caregiver, the former Betty Kaschak, would have been married sixty years on September 2nd. Born in Olyphant, he was the son of the late John and Catherine Kulacz Stepkovitch. He was a 1942 graduate of Olyphant High School and  a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served nineteen months on the front lines in the 133rd Infantry Regiment, and was also the recipient of the Purple Heart. Before becoming disabled in 1978, he was an employee of the Tobyhanna Army Depot.  Louie was a member of Holy Cross Parish, formerly St. Patrick’s Church, Olyphant, and the American Legion Raymond Henry Post 327, Olyphant. Lou’s family would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to the staff of both MidValley Hospital and AsceraCare Hospice for their care and compassion during his illness. Also surviving are a son, Ronald and wife, Deborah, Olyphant; a granddaughter, Sandra, Olyphant and fiancé Daniel Clarkson, Scranton; a sister, Stella Stepkovitch, Bridgeport, Connecticut; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Nowacki and Helen Lapinski; three brothers, William Besack and Frank and Joseph Stepkovitch; and a nephew, Walter Besack. Military Services will be held at 8:45AM from the Hudak-O’Shea Funeral Home, 115 Garfield Avenue, Olyphant by American Legion Raymond Henry Post 327, Olyphant.   Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:30AM at Holy Cross Parish at St. Patrick’s Church, 200 Delaware Avenue, Olyphant. The Reverend Thomas M. Muldowney will officiate.   Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Mausoleum, Dickson City. Friends may call on Wednesday from 5 to 8PM at the funeral home. For directions or to leave online condolences visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.