Stephen Szpak

Stephen Szpak, 88, of Volney Drive in North Syracuse, died Friday at the Syracuse VA Medical Center. Stephen was a native of Syracuse where he attended St. Lucy's High School. He resided in North Syracuse for the past 57 years and was the son of the late Samuel and Eva (Marchak) Szpak.

Stephen was a US Marine Corps Veteran serving during World War II in the Pacific Theatre including Iwo Jima where he was wounded. While there, he received a Purple Heart Medal. Stephen retired in 1980 after 32 years as a letter carrier working out of the North Syracuse Post Office. He was a life member of the John Venditti American Legion Post #1. Stephen maintained a cottage in Charleston Lake in Ontario for 35 years and kept a boat on Oneida Lake for many years. He was an avid fisherman and boater; he enjoyed many outdoor activities including hunting and gardening. Stephen was a communicant of St. Margaret's Church in Mattydale.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, the former Rose D'Agostino; their two sons: Daniel (Cindy) Szpak of Waynesville, NC, and Derek Szpak of Mingo Junction, OH; a brother: Andrew (Rita) Szpak of Camillus; three grandchildren: Sarah, Stephen, and Jamie; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Contributions in Stephen's memory may be made to Catholic Charities, 1654 West Onondaga St., Syracuse, NY 13204.

Friends may call on Monday from 9 - 10:30 am at Krueger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale, NY. A Prayer Service will begin at 10:30 am at the funeral home followed by an 11 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret's Church. Burial will be in Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse.