Stephen Joseph Szczerba

Stephen Joseph Szczerba, age 69, passed away after a long battle with cancer in the early hours of the morning on July 19,2023, surrounded by family. Stephen was born January 24, 1954, in Wilmington, DE to Edward J Szczerba (deceased) and Jean R Szczerba. He grew up in Elsmere, DE with 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Stephen attended Corpus Christi High School and graduated in the 12th graduating class in June 1972. After graduating high school, he enlisted directly into the Navy, serving active duty in the South Pacific until June 1975, whereupon he continued to serve in the Naval Reserves. He attended Villanova University during the same time and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting in May 1979. Stephen was a member of the varsity football team at Villanova and played alongside his brother, Edward. Stephen and his wife Karen (Quinn) were married April 4th, 1987. They bought a home together in Newark, DE and raised two children, Stephen Arthur and Ashley Nicole. He worked as an accountant and data systems specialist for Dupont and Computer Science Corporation for most of his career. He was passionate about coaching his children’s sports teams and enjoyed golfing with his friends and family. Stephen was an avid fan of Villanova sports, especially football and basketball, and attended many events as an alumnus. He was a proud Dziadzi of his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. When Stephen’s youngest brother, Joe fell in the line of duty as a New Castle County police officer, he took much of his time to volunteer for the local Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS). He made a point to travel to Washington, DC for the Annual Police Week, when he was able to, and organize a multitude of fundraisers in his brother’s name. One of Stephen’s greatest gifts was storytelling, and he will live on in the memory of all of those he was close to, as a legend in his own right. Stephen is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Stephen (Amber); daughter, Ashley (Christine); his mother, Jean; brothers: Edward, Gerald, and Peter; sisters, Karen and Nancy; grandchildren: Christopher, Cameron, Hailee, Kelsee and Carter; very special sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and a multitude of nieces, nephews and extended family. A visitation will be held Friday, July 28, 2023, from 10:30 AM - 12 Noon at Abundant Life Church, 2744 Red Lion Rd., Bear, DE 19702 followed by a service in celebration of Stephen’s life at 12 Noon. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Delaware Chapter of COPS or the National Humane Society, both charities close to Stephen’s heart. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

Stephen Joseph Szczerba

January 24, 1954 - July 19, 2023

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