Mr. Stephen Joseph "Steve" Peplinski

ILION – Mr. Stephen Joseph “Steve” Peplinski, age 70, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, after a valiant battle with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his loving family. Born in Utica on July 3, 1954, Stephen was the son of the late Joseph J. and Catherine M. "Kay" (O'Grady) Peplinski. Steve attended Notre Dame High School, where he earned the nickname “Pep” and enjoyed playing football and embarking on “adventures” with his school buddies, many of whom remained lifelong friends. Steve honorably served our country in the U.S. Navy. Steve later attended the University of Steubenville in Ohio, where he met the love of his life, Barbara “Barb” Klotz. The couple married on June 13, 1992, and together they welcomed two daughters, Danielle Marie Peplinski (31), and Ashley Anne Peplinski (29). Steve and Barb shared 32 loving years together prior to his passing. Steve’s life was filled with many chapters and adventures, but his love for his family and friends remained at the forefront. Steve enjoyed working in the paint department at Jay-K Lumber in New Hartford, until his retirement, where he met some amazing people that became his “Jay-K family.” Steve also enjoyed music, camping, golfing, watching football, spending time with friends, and working on his beloved home. People gravitated towards Steve's magnetic personality and sense of humor. He was beloved by everyone who met him. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he proudly and always mentioned. He was an outstanding father, husband and grandfather who loved watching his granddaughters, Ivana (the Gee) and Aldijana, grow up. Outnumbered by the women in his immediate family, Steve affectionately referred to them as “his girls” and wouldn't have had it any other way! Steve is survived by his loving wife, Barb; daughters, Danielle Marie Peplinski, and Ashley Anne Peplinski; granddaughters, Ivana Pajazetovic, and Aldijana Pajazetovic; brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Terry Peplinski, nieces and nephews, Nicole Peplinski, Celeste Peplinski, Joseph and Danielle Peplinski, Michael and Rebecca Peplinski, August Klotz, Alyssa Klotz, Jack and Harley Jones, and Benjamin Jones; in-laws, Birgit and Corey Jones, and Andreas and Darlene Klotz; and brothers in all ways besides blood, Lindsay Wyckoff, James McCoy, and Gerry Gonzer. Steve's life will continue to be remembered and celebrated by the countless friends who had the privilege of knowing him. A Memorial Gathering in Stephen’s honor will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Stephen’s Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Military Honors will be conferred by the U.S. Navy. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88692044130. Memorial contributions in Stephen’s honor may be made to the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research online at https://pancreatic.org; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. In tribute to Steve, please remember to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. This obituary was lovingly written by Stephen’s family.

Mr. Stephen Joseph "Steve" Peplinski

July 3, 1954 - November 10, 2024