Stephen Zurek

Stephen Zurek
New York Mills
Stephen Zurek, 87, a longtime resident of New York Mills, passed away on February 27, 2011, at the Presbyterian Home in New Hartford. Born in New York Mills on September 1, 1923, he was the son of the late Walter and Mary (Lachut) Zurek, and was educated in local schools. Stephen served his country in World War II in the European Theatre, participating in five campaigns with the 802nd Tanker Destroyer Battalion. He was united in marriage with Olga Mikus on January 24, 1948, a union that prevailed for nearly sixty years until Olga passed away on August 31, 2007. Mr. Zurek was a community activist. He was the President of the United Steel Workers of America #4831 at Bendix Corporation. He served as Commander of the Edward Bator Post and was co-organizer of the New York Mills Lions Club. Stephen was a past President of the New York Mills Democratic Club and was a former Oneida County Legislator and Mayor of New York Mills. He was also the owner and operator of the Stephen Zurek Insurance Agency. Surviving are his daughter, Gail (James) Vivyan, of Clinton; two sons, Craig (Renee) Zurek, of Clinton, and Paul (Ann Smith) Zurek, of Delray Beach, Florida; his beloved three grandchildren, David Zurek, Matthew Vivyan and Jennie Vivyan; three brothers-in-law, Nicholas (Catherine) Mikus, of Florida, Angelo Butera and Alexander Gamela; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Barney Zurek, and his sister, Frances Gamela. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10:00 from St. Mary's Church in New York Mills. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery. There are no calling hours. The family requests that contributions be made to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society. Arrangements are in care of the Dowdle Funeral Home, Oswego.