Mr. Stephen S. Hajdasz, Jr.

Mr. Stephen S. Hajdasz, Jr., age 66, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 12, 2016 with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on October 5, 1949, Stephen was the son of the late Stephen, Sr. and Bette (Coonradt) Hajdasz. He attended Utica Free Academy. At one time, he was married to the former Diana Yacco, to that union came the blessing of 7 children. Stephen was down-to-earth in many ways. He enjoyed the simple things in life and he appreciated and avidly protected the natural beauty and resources of mother earth. His career with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) made it possible for him to pursue his passions in life. For 13 years, he worked as a Ranger at Nick’s Lake, a place where peace prevails. He also held a position as a groundskeeper at Delta Lake prior to his retirement. Stephen was a man for all seasons with a penchant for many pastimes. He was self-sufficient and resourceful, a Mr. MacGyver who solved problems with clever solutions and common items. He was inventive and creative, and he lived up to his motto of ‘do it yourself, and get it done’! He had a great respect for cleanliness and he “decked the halls” during each holiday. His children fondly recall his love for large station wagons, the music of Conway Twitty on the radio while they took rides in the country. Family get-togethers especially camping at Alex Bay will remain memorable. He also was fascinated by games of chance, card games at home, and NASCAR; a fan of the Miami Dolphins, and an avid outdoorsman; and he enjoyed playing many video games, especially NFL Madden. He loved singing karaoke, dancing at weddings, coffee, Old Gold cigarettes, liverwurst sandwiches, and galumpkis. In his own special way, he touched the hearts of his children and they will carry their own unique traits of their dad. Stephen is survived by his children and their loves, Bill Hajdasz, Melanie Hajdasz, Stevie Hajdasz III, Amanda and Andy Melendez, Keith and Christina Hajdasz, Heather Hajdasz, and Scott Hajdasz and fiancee Kelly Madek; his grandchildren, Kayla, Jessica, and Shawna; Joshua, and Jonathan; Brianna, and Andrew; Angelina, and Audrina; Mitchell, and Kismet; Gage, Destiny, Mikenzee, Hailey, Kalianna, and Shyanne; his great-grandchild, Joshua “JJ”; and his siblings, Stephanie and Joseph Tanoury, Jerry and Dorothy Hajdasz, Charles Hajdasz, Timmy Hajdasz, Tommy Hajdasz, and Debra and Thomas Leone. He also leaves his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his best buddy, Ray Holridge. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Hajdasz; and his sister-in-law, Lynn Hajdasz. The family extends their appreciation to the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center physicians, nurses, and staff, especially the 2nd Floor of the ICU who were so supportive and generous of heart. Visitation will be held Saturday from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Stephen’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. Abe Esper officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Stephen S. Hajdasz, Jr.

October 5, 1949 - September 12, 2016