Obituary of Jack Valentine Stepniak

Jack Valentine Stepniak, age 80, passed away peacefully with family by his side on September 8th, 2023 at Roanoke memorial hospital. His celebration of life will be held on the first day of fall –his favorite season – September 23rd, 2023 at Simpson Funeral Home in Roanoke, Va, from 3 to 5 pm. The service will be live streamed for his family and friends that are unable to attend. The link can be found on the Simpson Funeral Home website.

Jack was born December 25th 1942 in Hop Bottom, PA. He attended high school at St. Mary’s in Phoenix, Arizona. Jack also received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1961. He then returned to PA where he enrolled in Keystone Junior College, while simultaneously working at Stepniak Beef - a family business established by his grandfather in 1913, which continues to serve his hometown and surrounding areas. Jack began his family in Montrose, Pennsylvania, and later relocated to Binghamton, New York. Here he worked at Kroehler Furniture Manufacturing as an assembly worker. He was then hired by Anitec, INC. as a certified health and safety operator and licensed asbestos abatement officer. Later he applied these skills and credentials to serve as a certified commercial roofing technician, where he serviced the entire east coast of the United States for several years. After remarrying in 1986, Jack and his family moved to Roanoke in 1996, where he continued commercial roofing until retiring as a foreman from Roanoke Roofing and Sheet Metal.

In retirement, Jack put all of his efforts into making sure his family and friends would have countless memories with him that could supersede the boundaries of time. He especially loved lounging in the pool with a cold beer, watching his grandchildren gleefully explore the world around them. He’d often sit with his daughters laughing and reminiscing about days passed and encouraging them to always believe in a brighter, more magical future. The thing he was best at was making sure others knew how much he loved them. He was fearless, and full of love and life, which is the legacy he expects his family to carry on, and they will.

Jack is survived by his three daughters; Darcy Stepniak (Binghamton, N.Y.), Brittany Stepniak and husband, Jared Beers (Glenn Arm M.D.), Bethany Stepniak (Roanoke, V.A.), and son Christopher Stepniak and wife, Jessica (Salem, V.A.). His former wife, Tina Stepniak (Roanoke, V.A.). One brother, Thomas Stepniak and wife, Faye, along with their children and grandchildren (Palm Coast, F.L.). His most recent pride and joy are his two grandchildren, Jackson (age 4) who carries his name, and Annabelle (age 11 months) of Glen Arm, MD. A cousin, Bill Stepniak and wife, Beverly (Hop Bottom, P.A.). As well as many friends that became family, too.
Jack is preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Stella Kuroski, parents John and Anna Stepniak, and eldest daughter Dara Russell (11/28/21).

The family would like to acknowledge their great appreciation to Sheree Alexander, CNA for Elm Manor Estate. Her actions allowed his family and friends to spend time making invaluable memories before his passing that without her would not have been possible. The family is also grateful to remarkable staff at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, notably those from the Palliative Care Unit whose love and support carried him through the end of his days. Without such a phenomenal team, he and his family would not have been able to wheel him outside to sing and dance to “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and “Adios Mexico” in the parking lot of the hospital. Nor would he have had the chance to give his dog Copper a last treat and belly rub, or his cat a last caress of his face and ears, as well as his favorite fancy feast dinner.  This support, care, and love gave peace and comfort to both Jack and his family. They are beyond blessed to have had the help and support of many friends in this final chapter of Jack’s life, also. His family appreciates all that so many have done and continue to do for them. In lieu of flowers, please select a charity that is meaningful to your family and donate in his honor.  

A gathering of family and friends will be held, Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 3-5 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home Electric Road Chapel (3912 Electric Road Roanoke, Virginia 24018). Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home. (540)632-4200.