Dr. Stephen J. Korcheck

Dr. Stephen J. Korcheck, after a life devoted to teaching and service, was lovingly received in his eternal home by his Lord; cherished wife, Dot; parents, Anne and Mike; older brother, Mike; and stepson, David. Steve grew up in Nemacolin, PA, where his mother instilled in him a devotion to God, family, and always showing kindness to others. His father, a coal miner, taught by example the importance and dignity of hard work while insisting his sons pursue sports and education to keep them out of the mines. Steve learned well and God, sports, education, and family and friends became the cornerstones of his life. Steve was a faith-filled Catholic and, since 1975, a member of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church. He had an uncanny ability to remember the name of every person he met and, no matter their station in life, Steve always valued who they were and what they had to say. Steve's kindness is exemplified by the countless lives he changed by taking the time to listen and offer meaningful advice, make a phone call, or provide help. Thought by many to be the finest athlete to ever come out of Greene County, Steve starred as a catcher and center/linebacker at George Washington University. He said his proudest moments as an athlete occurred when he was named Southern Conference Player of the Year in both sports. Steve was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers but chose to play baseball with the Washington Senators. And for most of his life Steve was an avid golfer, satisfying his competitive fires while greatly enjoying the camaraderie of friends. After his baseball career, Steve returned to George Washington and earned Master's and Doctoral degrees while managing the baseball team. After one year with the Kansas City Royals Baseball Academy in Sarasota, he began his long, impactful career at Manatee Community College. Steve started in 1971 as a part-time health and P.E. instructor and assistant baseball coach; over the ensuing years, he assumed positions with ever-increasing responsibility until being named president in 1980. He served the college as well as the Manatee and Sarasota communities with distinction for 17 years until his retirement in 1997. Steve and Dot enjoyed a loving and wonderful life together, tending to their rose and butterfly gardens, playing golf, traveling, enjoying the company of family and friends, and spoiling their beloved dog Andy. Steve leaves behind cherished friends whose love and support sustained him. He will remain in the hearts of all those who mourn his absence, especially his family. Steve greatly enjoyed reminiscing with younger brother, Bob and wife, Toby (Nemacolin, PA) about their shared history in the coal mining company town of their youth. Steve was proud that, like him, his daughter, Stephanie (San Marcos, TX) has devoted her professional life to education, pleased that she inherited his passion for the Fighting Irish, and appreciative of her care and thoughtfulness. Steve was extremely proud of son, Mike's and his wife, Sandy's (Valrico, FL) service to our country during his career as an Air Force officer, commander, and helicopter pilot as well as the three wonderful children they raised; he also was grateful for Mike's care and attention throughout the challenges of the past year. Steve truly loved and adored his grandchildren. He greatly admired Kristin for following her dreams and finding happiness in New York City. Steve loved that Lauren (Tucson, AZ) continued the family tradition in nursing and was so happy she found such a kind, wonderful man, Mike, to be her husband. Matt (Melbourne, Australia) received the gift of Steve's athleticism. Steve eagerly followed Matt's basketball career from high school to the University of Arizona, and was so excited for the incredible opportunity Matt has to play professionally in the Australian Football League. Steve loved Dot's daughter, Marjie and her husband, Richard (Sarasota, FL) as if they were his own children, and was so grateful for all the home-cooked meals, Rays and Lightening games, and phone calls, most especially since Dot's death in 2014. Steve enjoyed his visits with Dot to Northern Indiana and times spent with stepson, Doug and wife, Kim (Bristol, IN) and their daughter, Diana and husband, Adam (Elkhart, IN). Finally, Steve was very thankful for the friendship he and his first wife, Nancy (Chapel Hill, NC) rediscovered during the last year of his life. For those wishing to do so, Steve requested that contributions be made to the Korcheck Memorial Scholarship Fund. Secure on-line donations can be made at www.SCF-Foundation.org – be sure to designate your contribution to the Korcheck Fund. Donations can also be made by mail (SCF Foundation, Korcheck Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1849, Bradenton, FL 34208) or phone (941-752-5390). Steve's Funeral Mass will be at 10:00AM, Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, 833 Magellan Dr. in Sarasota with a reception hosted by Steve's family to follow. The college will host a Celebration of Steve's life at 2:00PM on Friday, September 23, in the Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W in Bradenton with a reception to follow in the Stephen J. Korcheck Student Services Center. Committal Services officiated by the Reverend Jennifer Potter Buff, SCF Chaplain, will be private. American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 will preside over Full Military Honors, and Steve and Dot will be interred together at Sarasota National Cemetery. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th St. W, Bradenton FL 34207 is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be sent via www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.