NEW YORK MILLS, NY – Stephen Zurek, 87, a longtime resident of New York Mills, passed away on Sunday Feb. 27, 2011, at the Presbyterian Home in New Hartford.
Born in New York Mills on Sept. 1, 1923, he was the son of the late Walter and Mary (Lachut) Zurek and was educated in local schools.
Stephen served his country in World War II in the European Theatre, participating in five campaigns with the 802nd Tanker Destroyer Battalion.
He was united in marriage with Olga Mikus on Jan. 24, 1948; a union that prevailed for nearly 60 years until Olga passed away on Aug. 31, 2007.
Mr. Zurek was a community activist.
He was the president of the United Steel Workers of America #4831 at Bendix Corporation.
He served as commander of the Edward Bator Post and was co-organizer of the New York Mills Lions Club.
Stephen was a past president of the New York Mills Democratic Club and was a former Oneida County legislator and mayor of New York Mills.
Surviving are his daughter, Gail (James) Vivyan of Clinton; two sons, Craig (Renee) Zurek of Franklin Springs and Paul (Ann Smith) Zurek of Delray Beach, Florida; his beloved three grandchildren, David Zurek, Matthew Vivyan and Jennie Vivyan; three brothers-in-law, Nicholas (Catherine) Mikus of Florida, Angelo Butera and Alexander Gamela; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother, Barney Zurek; and his sister, Frances Gamela.
Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. from St. Mary’s Church in New York Mills.
Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery.
There are no calling hours.
The family requests that contributions be made to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society.
Arrangements are in care of the Dowdle Funeral Home.
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Dear Paul. Sorry to hear of the passing of your father. It was always such a pleasure to talk to him when he filled in for you at Oswego Country Club. Jim Rebbeor