Stephen Berestecky

Stephen Berestecky, 83, of Donora, passed away Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004 in Jefferson Regional Hospital. He was born Jan. 8, 1921 in Donora, a son of the late Michael and Matrona Gresh Berestecky. He served with the United States Army as a heavy machine gunner. Mr. Berestecky was a Private First Class in Company H 32 Infantry Regiment during World War II. His tour of duty was in the Philippine Islands, Central Pacific and Aleutians Island. While he served in World War II, he was wounded at Okinawa on April 11, 1945 and awarded a Purple Heart medal along with a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars and World War II Victory Medal. Mr. Berestecky worked for and retired from U.S. Steel, Donora Plant, and also for U.S. Steel, Christy Park, McKeesport. He was an active member of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Irene Stima Berestecky; two children, Carole Berestecky Pucel of Donora and Kenneth Berestecky of Mars; four granddaughters, Denyelle Pucel, Keely Pucel Miller, Michelle Pucel Teegarden and Kara Berestecky; five great-grandchildren, Braden Pucel, Ryan and Madison Miller, and Travis and Troy Teegarden; one sister, Helen Applegate of Donora; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Ann Fertall; and five brothers, Metro, Charles, John, Michael and Andrew Berestecky. Friends will be received in the PAUL MACIK FUNERAL HOME, 546 Thompson Ave., Donora, on Sunday from 2 to 9 p.m. A Parastas service will be held Sunday at 3 p.m., followed by a parish rosary at 3:30 p.m. A blessing service will be held Monday, Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. followed by Divine Liturgy at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. Jerome Botsko officiating. Burial will be in St. Michael Cemetery.