Stephen F Pelechowicz

Stephen F. Pelechowicz, 84, of York, Maine, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026.
Born on June 13, 1941, in Boston, Massachusetts, Stephen lived a life defined by faith, family, and quiet devotion. He was soft-spoken, kind, and loving, with a gentle presence and a stubborn streak that was impossible not to smile about. He was strong in his faith and convictions, living them out daily through both words and actions.
Stephen became involved with the church at a young age and felt called to the ministry as a teenager. That calling stayed with him throughout his life. He devoted his career to ministry, serving faithfully with The Salvation Army, Youth for Christ, and the Church of the Nazarene, spending decades doing the work he truly believed God had placed on his heart.
Outside of ministry, Stephen's greatest joy was his family. They mattered more to him than anything else. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and faithful presence—always steady, always loving. He was also well-known for his dad jokes, which he delivered with perfect timing and sometimes with just enough seriousness to make them even better.
Stephen was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra L. (Knuffke) Pelechowicz, in September 2015, as well as his parents, Stephen Pelechowicz and Bertha (Ford) Pelechowicz, and his siblings James, Robert, Daniel, and Sandra.
He is survived by his three daughters, Robin (Pelechowicz) McGillicuddy, Laurie (Pelechowicz) Spielvogel, and Kristen (Pelechowicz) French; his seven cherished grandchildren, Kyle, Jordan, Chloe, Courtney, Alanna, Samson, and Avery who brought him immense pride and joy; many nieces and nephews, who he devoted himself to and truly cherished his role in their lives; and his sister, Cathy (Pelechowicz) Howe, along with extended family and many whose lives were touched by his ministry and friendship.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, at 11:00 a.m. at Eliot Baptist Church, Eliot, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Gathering Place Adult Social Day Center, 518 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904 or Heart to Heart: Services for People with Age, 39 Candlewood Ln, York, ME 03909.
Stephen will be remembered for his gentle spirit, steadfast faith, quiet strength, love of family, and the way he lived his life—faithfully answering God's call, one day at a time.