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STEPHEN G. TIRPAK Obituary
On October 9, 1938, Elizabeth (nee Tweardy) and Stephen Tirpak welcomed their beloved son, Stephen George, at Deaconess Hospital. Baptized at Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church, he was raised in the Byzantine tradition and celebrated with his family and extended family from Monessen, Penn., the richness of their Czechoslovakian heritage. He learned from his parents the value of simplicity, practicality, manual labor, hard work, faith and perseverance. Initially creating a life in Old Brooklyn, he and his parents later built their own Broadview Heights home, together as a family, brick by brick. A year-round athlete, Stephen enjoyed all sports and some subjects. A graduate of Benjamin Franklin School, St. Ignatius High School (1957) and the University of Dayton (1963), he was eternally grateful for the education and formation he received. In 1990, St. Ignatius honored him with the school’s most prestigious alumni honor. He attended the University of Dayton for two years, served in the National Guard, and subsequently returned to Dayton to complete a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. He exercised his keen sense of responsibility as a full-time student and hall director at Dayton, one job of many he pursued to help fund his education. Still he found some time for play. Nursing student Francine Chambers captured his eye at a September 1957 mixer in St. Elizabeth Nursing School’s basement. Immediately, their dating life began. What started over two cups of coffee and a shared small fry at Frish’s, after many years of courtship blossomed into a marriage proposal on August 30, 1962.
Married at St. Patrick Church, West Park, Cleveland, Ohio, on November 16, 1963, they raised their five children in West Park, with many family memories created with their Woodbury neighbors and fellow St. Patrick West Park parishioners. As new generations of Tirpaks were born, they downsized in Westlake, where they welcomed their family of 19 for conversation around the kitchen table or larger family gatherings. One could always count on a listening ear, practical advice, straight talk, sports-watching or a conversation about economics and the stock market. Impromptu gatherings on porches or decks or around the extended dining room table for the traditional Christmas Eve meal were often met with “Fran, look what we started.”
Helping to fulfill his in-laws’ purpose in founding Chambers Funeral Home in 1933 to honor the sanctity of both life and death, he faithfully and steadfastly served his family’s business as a licensed funeral director for 53 years, accompanying generations of Cleveland area families in honoring their beloved. Daily he and his family were reminded of the fleeting nature of this life and the promise of eternal life.
He passed away peacefully on March 12, 2020 with his wife and son, Stephen, by his side; his 81 years of life came full circle because he was anointed by a Byzantine Catholic priest from the same parish where he was baptized into Christian life. He is survived by Francine, his wife of 56 years, children Beth, Ellen and Tom Keating, Stephen and Mary Beth (McNally), Anne Marie, Michael and Megan (Brown); grandchildren: Maria, Clare, Mollie and Stephen J. Tirpak; Julia, Kathleen, Lauren and Brigid Keating; Riley, Reese and Charlie Tirpak, and grand-dog Briggs.
Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, March 17, St. Ladislas Church (2345 Bassett Rd., Westlake, OH) at 10 A.M. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Our dear father and grandfather deserves a beautiful tribute. However, we appreciate in this unknown time with the COVID-19 pandemic that attending a visitation may not be in your best health interest. Please be with us in prayer. Should you be able to celebrate his life, friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS RD., MONDAY 3-7 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ignatius High School, 1911 W. 30th Street; Cleveland, OH 44113.
Memories and Condolences
for STEPHEN G. TIRPAK
Eusebius Kellawoldolciewicz
August 13, 2024
Memory Eternal!
David Watson, SJ
April 30, 2020
I want to offer my sympathy and prayers for Steve's family. He was a wonderful help at Chambers with my parents' funeral. What a blessing for us and for the Chambers family.
Maureen and Terry Gravens
March 25, 2020
Steve was a very good man who represented the very best of St. Ignatius High School's alumni.
It was always good to see Steve at the Irish Festival, the funeral home, Ignatius or anywhere else.
Our deepest sympathy to Steve's family.
The coronavirus prevented us from attending the wake or funeral.
Terry and Maureen Gravens
Tom Frank
March 25, 2020
Dear Fran and the entire Tirpak Family-
How sorry we are to hear of Steve's passing. As each of you know, he was a great guy --- always looking to help whoever he could especially in times when our loved ones passed away. His chosen career of being a Funeral Director was not just his job, it was his passion -- and he utilized every skill he had to be the best, even outside of the workplace.
The memorial film that you put together about his life was truly a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. All the family photos told a story of a person with a very successful and special life. Keep the memories of Steve --- his words, actions, thoughts, helpful hints, his smile and laugh --- alive in the days, weeks and months ahead as it is all the great memories that Steve was a part of that will help you get through the sad times.
Whenever I saw him in church or public, he would always ask how things were and a conversation was started. Always a great person to talk to. I will miss him.
On behalf of the entire Frank Family, our condolences and prayers! God Bless!
Tom and Marcia Frank
Betty Frank
Anne Barrett
March 21, 2020
Dear Tirpak Family,
We were so sorry to hear about your Father Stephen. He was obviously a joy to all of you, which showed in all of your family.
The Barrett's from Westlake
David Briggs
March 21, 2020
Steve and all the Tirpaks: My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Our shared faith teaches us that we will be reunited in faith never to be separated. Be open to your husband, dad and grandpa's love for, just as you continue to love him, he continues to love all of you! You were so blessed! You have my sincerest sympathy.
March 20, 2020
Frannie,
How sad you must be. If it were possible, I would wrap my arms around you so you would know that the years that have passed since we played badminton in our front yard did not diminish my feelings for my "best friend." My thoughts and prayers encircle you and your family. May the warmth and new life manifested in Springtime bring you comfort. He lives in the peace of Jesus.
Elaine Plichta Lassiter
Mary Ellen & Jeff Wiggenhorn
March 20, 2020
Fran & family, please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Steve. He was always such a kind, friendly and deeply caring person who will be missed by all who knew him. May he RIP until you meet again and know that you are in my prayers.
Ray Mitchell
March 19, 2020
Steve has always been a personable, likable gentleman. Ray enjoyed his camaraderie at St. Ignatius in the 50's and then a lifelong friendship. He will be very missed by Ray and I and our entire family. We, also, were married on November 16, 1963. Please accept our most sincere condolences to you, Francine, and all your dear family.
Rosie DeLuca Trunkett
March 17, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. I have found memories of the hair salon day. May he rip with our lord . May his memory be eternal.
Tom Fayen Family
March 17, 2020
We are all sorry for the loss of such a fine man who had a positive impact upon many others, and thankful for the impressive legacy he has left behind. We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Terry Hayes
March 16, 2020
I am so very saddened by Steve's death.He was such a nice man and such a very good listener.We talked often about my brother who was his classmate.Michael really liked and admired Steve.We talked also of Ignatius and sports and the events of our lives.Steve was faithful to the First Friday group and it was always fun to sit with him and Gary Roggenburk and talk about our lives. Francine was so interesting when she and Steve would come to Paneras for coffee in the morning.He truly was" a man for others".What a great couple! Steve's empathy and kindness were his hallmarks. What a great loss for his family and friends! May you rest in peace,Steve. Terry and Sally Hayes
Chuck Lokar
March 16, 2020
You have my sincere condolences. Steve and I first met when we took our Funeral Directors State Board exam at the same time. He was always a kind person and a gentleman along with very strong family ties. He will be greatly missed.
Joseph and Sheila Caco
March 16, 2020
Eternal rest grant unto Steve. Our sincere condolences to Fran and her family for your loss. May Steve rest in peace. In view of the virus, we are continuing to isolate ourselves, but continue to pray for you.
ANNA MAY HUNT
March 16, 2020
Dear Steve, Mary and Family, losing someone you love is always very hard. I am so sorry that you have the added sorrow of having to contend with the health situation we are facing. At this sad time you must remember a life well-lived. Fondly, Anna May Hunt
Bob Kirstein
March 16, 2020
Sincere condolences to Grade schoolmate Fran, in remembrance to High school Mate Steve
Linda (Masci) & Mark OKeefe
March 16, 2020
Francine and loving family, Mark and I are very sadden to hear of Steves passing and offer you are most heartfelt sympathy. Although we havent seen each other in years, I will always cherish the wonderful family memories that I hold dear in my heart. Visiting Stevie, Aunt Betty and Uncle Steve and Curt his German Shepard was a yearly summer tradition along with all our Tweardy family reunions. In light of the coronavirus, we are staying home and taking precautions. Please know that out thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
Bill&Peggy Malumphy
March 16, 2020
I remember a great gentleman with who I had a few adult beverages in his kitchen of the west park home.
Mike & Terri Berish
March 15, 2020
Dear Ellen, Tom and all your family,
Our sincerest sympathy to all the family. What an amazing man your dad was. He was such a kind, gentle person with so much compassion. He has left a tremendous legacy , of which he was so proud. You all have an angel watching over you.
Sincerely,
Beth Ockuly Thomas
March 15, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the Tirpak family. I remember Steve very fondly. He was such a kind man. Praying for all of you who loved him.
Robert McAuliffe
March 15, 2020
Our prayers are with the Tirpak families at this time. Steve gave support and help to many families over the years as they experienced the loss of a loved one, and he deserves the type of send-off he provided for many others. The McAuliffe families intersected with the Tirpaks since 1963 in West Park and continuing to the present in Rocky River. The family spirit fostered at the University of Dayton by the Marianists meant a great deal in Steve's life and relationships. We thank God for allowing us to share in Steve's life and thank all the Tirpak families for sharing him with us. Love, Joan and Bob
Timothy Brulport
March 15, 2020
I wish to offer my sincere condolences to Steve and the family. Many years ago, I played in a golf league with Steve and had many pleasant discussions with him after a round of golf. After not seeing him in such a long time, I can still see Steve in my mind sitting next to me and makes various points during a routine conversation. He was an extremely pleasant man and I enjoyed all the time I had with him. He set a very good example on how to conduct oneself during the times I was with him. You were very fortunate to have such a man in yours lives. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Rich Malloy
March 15, 2020
Condolences to Steve and family. Warm memories of hanging around their house on Woodbury when we went to St. Pat's together. Mr. Tirpak was a stand up guy who always made me feel welcome. Requiescat in pace.
Bill Malloy
March 15, 2020
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Steve. May you be comforted, in your time of grief, with fine memories of him.
March 15, 2020
WITH THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME
Jim & Anita Gutoskey
March 15, 2020
Our deepest sympathy is with your family at this difficult time. Thoughts & prayers are with you all!
Linda & Mike McGinty
March 15, 2020
The McGinty family are sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Jim Schade
March 15, 2020
Had the sincere pleasure of getting to know Steve through St. Ignatius Alumni Assoc. Such a quality person. Peace and love to your families.
Nicole Wheeler
March 15, 2020
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful human. My heart holds wonderful memories of Mr. Tirpak and the entire Tirpak family. Sending love and praying for peace.
Emily Lyman
March 15, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Tirpak was such a nice person. He will be missed.
Brian Loftus
March 15, 2020
To all the Tirpak Families,
We are very sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Brian, Patty Loftus & Family
Rico Fernando
March 14, 2020
To the Tirpak family,
My condolences and prayers to your family.
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:1-2
Joe Carey
March 14, 2020
Francine and dear cousins,
From afar our thoughts are with you and of remembrances past of Steve, who was always loved dearly by my parents, my sister and myself. As a young adult in the 70's, certain men were larger than life for me. Steve was certainly one of those and his graciousness, energy, spirit, and vigorous mind made an impression on me that has not faded in the past 40 plus years. He may be gone physically, but his positive legacy will live on through his dear family and the many, many others, like myself, that he touched. A man for others. God Bless.
Jackie LaGuardia
March 14, 2020
What a beautiful obit and what a wonderful man. My prayers are with my dear friend Francine and their family.
Maureen Hennessey
March 14, 2020
Mr. Tirpak, what a special man. God speed! Dear family, I am sorry for your loss. God bless.
Kathleen DePaola Beiser
March 13, 2020
Aunt Fran and all the Tirpak family,
Please know that my family has Uncle Steve and you all in our thoughts and prayers. I am blessed to have had the honor to make memories with Uncle Steve in our visits to Cleveland and the moments with family in our Kentucky visits. I really miss these times and will really miss Uncle Steve. God bless you all.
Remember Me
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
Owen and Jeanne Gallagher
March 13, 2020
What a beautiful tribute. Our sympathy on your loss.
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Chambers Funeral Homes - North Olmsted29150 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, OH 44070
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Chambers Funeral Homes - North Olmsted29150 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, OH 44070