Stephen J. Yanik, age 72, a resident of Colorado Springs for the last 10 years, passed away November 4, 2013 at his home in Colorado Springs. He was a retired chemical engineer, a loving husband, devoted father, wonderful grandfather, brother, and friend.
Stephen Joseph Yanik was born on July 28, 1941 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to the late Stephen J. and Anna E. (Pipon) Yanik. He was a 1959 graduate of the Windber Area High School in Windber, and the University of Pittsburgh. He married Mary Louise Dawson on February 20, 1965 in Windber at Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. Steve was a chemical engineer with Gulf Oil, Filtrol Petroleum Company, and Akzo-Nobel Oil. He was an Eagle Scout, a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Monument, and a man devoted to his faith and family.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Yanik of Colorado Springs; his nine children: Debora Yanik of Centennial, Colorado; Barbara (Eric) Combs of Fort Collins, Colorado; Rebecca (Duane) Slaman of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Stephen Yanik of Montclair, California; Teresa (Waleed) Grunden of Centennial, Colorado; Cynthia Yanik of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Vincent (Jamie) Yanik of Rancho Cucamonga, California; Cecelia (Seth) Long of Rancho Cucamonga, California; and Amanda (Greg Walker) Yanik of Huntington, Beach, California. Steve has eight grandchildren, with a 9th due in March.
He is also survived by his three sisters: Ann (John) Cononie, Catherine (Paul) Paulochik, Mary Louise (Ken) Jones all of Windber, Pennsylvania.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 55 N. Jefferson St., Monument, Colorado 80132. A reception will follow the Mass at the church. Committal services will then be held at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Garden of Angels. Memorials in Steve’s name may be made to the Catholic Charities of Central Colorado, 228 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.
Stephen lived more in 72 years than most could live in 100, and was loved beyond imagining. He will be best remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, and brilliant mind. But most of all, for his love of family.