Stephen Hnath

Stephen “Stake” Hnath, 95, of Pottstown, husband of the late Frances T. (Pauly) Hnath, passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Parkhouse Providence Pointe. Born in Pottstown, he was the son of the late Wasko and Bessie (Hudick) Hnath. Stephen was a member of St. Aloysius RC Church. He enlisted in the army in 1942, and was a WW II veteran who served in the European theatre in Italy. He earned the rank of Corporal, was in the 85th Infantry division, 338 Regiment, and fought in 3 major battle campaigns. Stephen was qualified as a sharp shooter with military rifle and other service firearms, received the combat infantry badge and the bronze star. After he was discharged from the army in 1945, Stephen went to Pottstown Vocational night school to learn how to repair electric motors and received his high school diploma through American School’s in Chicago, IL under the GI Bill. Stephen was a member of the Pottstown American Legion Post 47. He loved the outdoors. Hunting, fishing and tending his garden were favorite past times. Baseball, football, and ice hockey were his favorite sports to watch and enjoy. After retiring from PECO in 1978, Stephen dedicated time to watch and clock repair. He was always ready for a game of pinochle, poker or Crazy 8s at any time of day. Stephen lived for his grandchildren and was a very proud Pop-pop. You would always see him at their various sporting events, he especially loved watching them play softball. Surviving is daughter Gwenn Sawchuk, wife of Paul; granddaughters Andrea Moyer, wife of Clint and Erin Ottolini, wife of Nicholas; and great granddaughter Morgan Ottolini. Along with his wife and parents, he is predeceased by his daughter Ellen Kay; brothers George “Jutt” Hunt and William J. Hnath; and sisters Anna Dami, Mary Hnath and Helen Kopcho. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 27, 11:00AM at St. Aloysius RC Church, 223 Beech Street, Pottstown. Burial will follow in St. John’s Byzantine Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 9:00AM to 10:30AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stephen’s name to American Legion Post 244, PO Box 477, Sanatoga, PA 19464. Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., Pottstown is in charge of arrangements. View obituaries or send condolences at www.catagnusfuneralhomes.com