Varmuza, Stephen Martin

VARMUZA, Jr.,

Stephen Martin

Stephen Martin Varmuza Jr. Loving Husband, Father and Friend, passed into eternal life on December 25, 2020, at the age of 85, surrounded by his wife and family.

Born on November 25, 1935, in Plainfield, NJ, and born to Anna Zednick Varmuza and Stephen Martin Varmuza Sr. Preceded in death by his mother and father and his sister Barbara A. Harkins.

He is survived by his wife Evelyn, Five Children, son John J Varmuza, daughter Catherine D. Erisman, her husband Chad Erisman and Steve's grandchildren, Annabeth, Isabella, & Olivia, daughter Susan A. Varmuza, son Mark T. Varmuza, and son Stephen M Varmuza III with his wife Marla L. Varmuza, niece Abby Harkins, nephew Scott Harkins and his wife Jen Harkins, cousin Robert Zednick.

Steve grew up in Dunellen, New Jersey, by helping his father operate his father's filling station and auto repair business, sewing commercial canvas covers for Blachers, and even as a police officer. These early experiences are where Steve gained his strong work ethic and an ability to solve any problem that came his way.

Steve worked his way through school and earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Newark College of Engineering, now known as the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He proudly served his country and was honorably discharged after over 8 years of service as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. This experience gave him his sense of organization, duty and discipline. His faith guided him through life beginning with his early days as an altar boy and only stopping to serve mass because the vestments would no longer fit him. He founded the Martinsville Knights of Columbus #5959 where he served as a charter grand knight and became a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. He laughed about the early days building the council driving around town and knocking on doors looking for someone to talk with to see if they were interested in joining the knights. He loved his cars and always maintained his cars and his home to the highest standard. He rebuilt a 1959 Oldsmobile convertible in his early years which became the car he proposed and later married Evelyn in. He worked handily on his homes. Enlisting his children for help, he used his skills from carpentry to tile work to make the perfect home for his family, create fond memories of working alongside his children, and transferring these talents to them. Steve spent his professional career in the motor business helping companies find ways to use motor technology to reduce costs or improve their customer experiences and even worked to bring an innovative high efficiency motor design patent to the market. His calling card was bringing bagels and cream cheese into the office of his customers, so they knew he was visiting. Steve placed a high value on family and even worked multiple jobs throughout his life to be sure his wife and children were happy and safe. Steve's later years were spent more focused on his faith and family as well as working with his friend Paul to build the Victim Souls religious organization. Late in life Steve's mind was not at its best, but he was very appreciative and thankful for the many people who provided him help and support in his times of need. He spoke about how grateful he was for the help he received from his church, his caregivers, his friends and his neighbors who took some of the burdens and chores of everyday life from him so he could enjoy his time at home with Evelyn. Steve will always be remembered for his faith, his determination, for guiding his children to be their best, and the eternal love he has for Evelyn.

A private service will be held for the family only due to COVID-19. Steve will be laid to rest in Cavalry cemetery. A celebration of life will be held this summer. Please contact the Westbrock Funeral Home if you are interested in attending.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Emanuel Catholic Church or The Knights of Columbus.

Arrangements entrusted to Westbrock Funeral Home, Kettering.

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