1953
Stephen
2022
Stephen Groark
November 25, 1953 — January 27, 2022
Veteran New Kensington police officer, Stephen J. Groark Sr, 68, passed away January 27, 2022. Steve was born on November 25, 1953 in Chicago to the late Martin and Lorraine (Sahs) Groark. He leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Sandra (Bowers) Groark. He is proud father of Shannon Groark and Stephen J. Groark Jr. and loving grandfather to Kellan Conroy.
Steve will be missed by his brother, Robert and wife Rita, brother Richard and wife Peg, brother Thomas and his wife Cheri, sisters Deborah Kletzke and the late Linda Schmidt and the many nieces and nephews who loved him.
Steve began his career in law enforcement with the Cook County, Illinois Sheriff’s Police. He joined the New Kensington Police Department in 1985 and rose to the rank of Sargeant before retiring in 2017.
Steve was a lifelong baseball fan and worked security for the Chicago White Sox at Comisky Park where he met his wife, Sandra in 1977 when she was assistant to team owner, Bill Veeck. Although he returned often to his beloved Chicago, Steve came to love his adopted hometown of New Kensington and the scores of close friends he made here.
Steve was proud of being a police officer. He especially loved working with kids, whether visiting the schools or just seeing them about town and he delighted in being known as “ Uncle Donut.” He was known for his great wit and enjoyed nothing better than to laugh and make other people laugh. Steve loved the Rolling Stones and he loved parties. It was his wish that, at his passing, there be no formal viewing but that all of his dear friends and beloved family be hosted by his wife and children at a Celebration of Life Party held in his memory. To honor him, Sandy, Shannon and Stephen Jr. invite all who knew and appreciated Steve, to join them on Friday, February 11 at the New Kensington Quality Inn ballroom from 4pm until 7pm for light refreshments, music and friendship to honor Steve in the way that he enjoyed life most. The FOP Lodge 39 will hold a service at 4:15pm
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Steve’s name to PA C.O.P.S., P O BOX162, E. Berlin, PA. 17316 or to Autism Connection of PA, @ autismofpa.org.
Arrangements entrusted to RJ Slater IV Funeral Home & Cremation Service New Kensington 724-335-0100. www.rjslater.com
Steve will be missed by his brother, Robert and wife Rita, brother Richard and wife Peg, brother Thomas and his wife Cheri, sisters Deborah Kletzke and the late Linda Schmidt and the many nieces and nephews who loved him.
Steve began his career in law enforcement with the Cook County, Illinois Sheriff’s Police. He joined the New Kensington Police Department in 1985 and rose to the rank of Sargeant before retiring in 2017.
Steve was a lifelong baseball fan and worked security for the Chicago White Sox at Comisky Park where he met his wife, Sandra in 1977 when she was assistant to team owner, Bill Veeck. Although he returned often to his beloved Chicago, Steve came to love his adopted hometown of New Kensington and the scores of close friends he made here.
Steve was proud of being a police officer. He especially loved working with kids, whether visiting the schools or just seeing them about town and he delighted in being known as “ Uncle Donut.” He was known for his great wit and enjoyed nothing better than to laugh and make other people laugh. Steve loved the Rolling Stones and he loved parties. It was his wish that, at his passing, there be no formal viewing but that all of his dear friends and beloved family be hosted by his wife and children at a Celebration of Life Party held in his memory. To honor him, Sandy, Shannon and Stephen Jr. invite all who knew and appreciated Steve, to join them on Friday, February 11 at the New Kensington Quality Inn ballroom from 4pm until 7pm for light refreshments, music and friendship to honor Steve in the way that he enjoyed life most. The FOP Lodge 39 will hold a service at 4:15pm
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Steve’s name to PA C.O.P.S., P O BOX162, E. Berlin, PA. 17316 or to Autism Connection of PA, @ autismofpa.org.
Arrangements entrusted to RJ Slater IV Funeral Home & Cremation Service New Kensington 724-335-0100. www.rjslater.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Stephen Groark, please visit our flower store.
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