Stephen Richard Skocik, 90, of St.Clairsville, OH, passed away peacefully into our LORD’S arms July 1, 2021 on what would have been his father’s 118th birthday. Coincidental? We think not!
Steve was born October 3, 1930 in Tiltonsville, OH, to the late Stephen Ronald Skocik and Frances (Fanny) Christmas .
Steve was born at home and delivered by Chief Red Cloud, a very respected Medicine Man in the area.
Chief Red Cloud also saved him from pneumonia when he was 2 with his mixture of natural herbs. Thank you Chief Red Cloud!
Steve was a graduate of Warren Consolidated High School. He earned his BS from West Liberty State College and a Masters Degree in Education from West Virginia University.
Steve served as a staff sergeant in the US Army, 31st field artillery battalion, 7th unit infantry during the Korean War Era.
Steve was a realtor for Harvey Goodman Realty for many years.
His career was with Bridgeport City Schools where he was a highly respected high school principal and teacher for 32 years.
Steve and his family were active members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he served as lector and Knights of Columbus member.
Steve served as president of the OVAC 1975-1976. An OVAC scholarship was just awarded to a recipient this year in his honor!
Steve was also a member of the St. Clairsville VFW Post 5361, Belmont County Board of Realtors and the Ohio Education Association.
Steve served on the Board of Directors of Crossroads Counseling for 36 years.
Steve, or as the Bulldog family called him “ Brother Sko”, spent many hours attending sporting and music events in support of all of his students. He spent his earlier years gardening, traveling and enjoying his family.
He took many trips with his wife, brothers, sister and sister in-law. Even though he travelled the world , his favorite vacation spot was Myrtle Beach. We went every year with 8-9 families.
His favorite past time was being Pap Pap to his grandchildren. He absolutely loved those kids.
He loved playing Bingo and Euchre. He and Linda didn’t stop playing until a few weeks ago!
Steve was a happy, kind, gentle, chivalrous man whose greatest pride was taking care of his wife of 60 years, Linda Shia Skocik, who survives him.
He also leaves behind two daughters to celebrate his life; Madeleine (Bobby) of Hilliard, OH and Stephanie (Jimmy) Ivey of Colonial Heights, VA. Grandchildren; Alivia, Rebecca and Stephen Nikolaus, Jimmy, Madlina, Madison and Makayla Ivey.
Great grandchildren Payton and Colton Ivey.
Daughter in love Julie Locke and her children Ralph Charles IV(Georgette) and Anna Locke.
He will be remembered with great love by his brothers Joe Skocik, Ed( Caroline) Skocik and his very amazing sister MaryAnn Skocik (Bill Weisman) and many wonderful nieces, nephews and special friends including Helen Niemiec who took Communion to Steve and Linda every week while they were at home and sent them a letter faithfully every week for the past three years.
Visitation will be Thursday July 8 from 2-7 at Care Funeral & Cremation Specialists 204 W. Main St. St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950. A vigil service will be held at 3:30 pm and the Knights of Columbus will have service at 5:30 pm Thursday evening.
Visitation continues Friday at St. Mary Catholic Church in St. Clairsville, from 10 am until time of Mass 10:30 am, Friday with Fr. Thomas Chillog officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Parish/School, Senior Services of Belmont County and the Alzheimer’s Association by going to “TMCFunding.com”.
The Skocik family would like to thank Senior Options, Bella Hospice and The Mill Run Care Center of Hilliard, OH for their loving care for 3 years.
There are too many caregivers to name but Kim and Shelia at Mill Run have been true blessings. You not only kept Steve and Linda alive, you gave them a life!
Our extreme gratitude to Brooke, Heather and Gina of Summit Home Care . Ladies, you became family to Linda and Steve. You stepped in and provided so much more than nursing, activities and therapy during the year we couldn’t be with them, truly our angels on earth.
Rest in peace our sweet Steve. You lived a life that was pure and good. You loved and were loved. “You fought the good fight, you finished the race, you kept the faith.”
We are proud and assured knowing that when our Heavenly Father greets you He is saying, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Belmont County Veterans Association will conduct Graveside Military Honors at Union Cemetery in St. Clairsville.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at carechapel.com.
Service
10:30 AM
St. Mary Catholic Church - Directions
212 West Main Street
St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950
Burial
Union Cemetery - Directions
211 Maple Avenue
St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950
1-740-695-1260
Visitation
2:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Care Funeral & Cremation Specialists-St. Clairsville Chapel - Directions
204 West Main Street
St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950
740-695-0475
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