Stephen P. Lesko

1946 - 2016

On May 29, 2016, Alaska lost a visionary leader and friend with the unexpected passing of Stephen P. Lesko (Steve) at his home in Grant, Mich. Steve was born to Stephen and Anna (Zilavy) Lesko in Newburgh, N.Y. He graduated from St. Patrick High School in 1964. He earned a bachelors degree in Psychology from Fordham University and a masters degree in Learning Disabilities - Psychoeducational Diagnostics from Yeshiva University. Steve married Maryann Breen in 1970, and had four children: Stephanie, Scott, Danielle and Nicole. Steve and Maryann moved their family to Alaska in the late 1970s, seeking adventure and opportunity. They shared over 20 years in Alaska before Maryann passed away in October 1996. Steve married Karen Guthmiller in 1999. He had four stepchildren: Melissa, Hope, Nathaniel and Seth. Steve served as the Executive Director of Hope Community Resources for 32 years. Throughout his tenure as Executive Director he championed the rights of Alaskans with disabilities. His passion for advocacy is legendary not only in Alaska, but nationwide. Steve was a wonderful mentor and powerful public speaker. His vision was contagious and moved people and systems to action. He shared his journey at Hope with long-term colleague and friend Roy Scheller, and together they created a value-driven agency. Steve's advocacy became the heart and soul of the Key Coalition of Alaska. Key has become one of the leading grass roots advocacy organizations in the state, impacting hundreds of individuals and families experiencing disabilities. While many knew him as a skilled orator, Steve was also a talented musician, poet and writer. His friends also knew and "feared" him as someone who took great joy in pulling pranks on friends, family and fellow employees. After his retirement in December 2014, Steve and Karen moved to Grant, Mich., where he became a gentleman farmer. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Anna Lesko; and his first wife, Maryann Lesko. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, Stephanie (Duane) Simmons of Manitowoc, Wis., and Scott, Danielle and Nicole Lesko all of Anchorage, Alaska; his grandchildren, Zachary, Matthew and Joseph Simmons; his stepchildren, Melissa (Trevor) Millar of Anchorage, Hope (Daniyel) Blankenship of Biloxi, Miss., Seth (Amanda) McElrath of Fremont, Mich., and Nathaniel (Larissa) McElrath of Anchorage; his step-grandchildren, Austin and Grace Blankenshi, and Joseph, Luke, Lillie, Dasha and Natasha McElrath. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at Changepoint Church, 6689 Changepoint Drive in Anchorage, at 3 p.m. A reception will follow the Celebration at the same location with opportunities for sharing memories. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Hope Community Resources Inc. in memory of Steve, 540 West International Airport Road, Anchorage, AK 99518; www.hopealaska.org.