Gary Stepnowski

Gary Stepnowski passed away peacefully on August 23, 2020.  He was 53.  Gary was a carpenter by trade; however, he was employed by Merck for 20 years as an animal technician.  

Gary was an avid outdoorsman, who especially loved hunting and fishing.  He was a skilled marksman, not only with a gun but with his crossbow.  His Instagram handle was appropriately called bowkilla.  Gary has had a long-time love of the outdoors, since early childhood.  His fondest memories included days spent hunting with his brother and father, taking his children fishing and numerous trips with his hunting buddies to the Poconos, Montana and Alaska. He accessorized in camouflage. Working in his garden came naturally.  It was a passion that was passed down to him by his dad.  He was so proud of his tomato plants and beautiful sunflowers, until his beloved deer started nibbling on them.  Gary loved to cook. He preferred to be the only cook in the kitchen.  It gave him great joy to make wholesome meals for Jennifer and her daughter, Greta. He always had several freezers full of venison and a random rabbit, goose or wild turkey.  When he wasn't in his garden or on a hunting or fishing trip, Gary loved spending time with his kids.  He was so proud of all of them and took great joy in watching Eric play basketball at PSU, seeing Katie get married and lunch dates with Laura.  On summertime days, Gary enjoyed quiet afternoons listening to music on the deck or hopping on his Harley for a ride with his buddies.  On cold winter days, he loved nothing better than to build a roaring fire, while watching a good movie and snuggling with his dog Jack.  Gary was a beloved uncle to his nephews Evan, Aaron and Jordan.  He especially enjoyed spending time with them at our annual Pierogi Day every Christmastime.  Pierogies and venison were two of his favorite foods. 
 

Gary fought hard for 3 years to defeat cancer and never once waivered on his will to live. Over this time, his loving support team of Jennifer, his mom, Cindy and Bryan ensured his constant care. He will be greatly missed and we will always remember his incredible strength, timely wise-cracks, sense of humor, resourcefulness, patriotism and his deep love for his family and good friends.   

Gary was born on March 15, 1967.  He is survived by his mother Helmi (Vorndran) Stepnowski, sister Cindy (Stepnowski) Tarlecki, brother in-law Bryan Tarlecki, fiancé Jennifer Werner, his children, Katie (Stepnowski) Conrad, son - in - law Ben Conrad and twins Laura Stepnowski and Eric Stepnowski.  Predeceased are his father, Raymond Stepnowski and brother, Stanley Stepnowski.  
Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Volpe funeral home. Funeral service and burial will be private. 

  VolpeFH.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gary's memory may be made to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation @ https://www.nfwf.org/what-we-do/donate.  

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