Stephen Howard Ludwiczak

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Stephen Ludwiczak Obituary

Stephen Howard Ludwiczak, 80, of Carlsbad, CA, passed away in his home surrounded by family on December 27, 2023. He was born in Jamestown, NY, the first son of Michael Stephen and Marjorie Ella (Hill) Ludwiczak.Steve is preceded in death by his grandparents, Eva and Marshall Griffith; parents; brother, Daniel Ludwiczak; and sister, Katherine Ludwiczak.A wonderful, caring, and witty husband, father, and grandfather, Steve is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joan; daughter, Megan, and son-in-law Kevin Howson; son, Andrew Ludwiczak; grandchildren, Christian, Miles, Dylan and Serena Howson; and our dear family friend, Heili Dungay. Steve is also survived by his sister, Pamela Ludwiczak; cousin, nieces, nephews, and friends.Born in upstate New York, Steve grew up both there and in Arizona. Steve headed west upon graduating from the University of Arizona in 1965. Southern California at that time was dotted with sleepy beach communities, I-5 was under construction, and school districts were eager for new hires. When Steve stopped by the Solana Beach School District office to leave his r‚sum‚, he was interviewed on the spot, and hired later that same day! He went on to spend more than 40 years working in the district, serving as a 5th grade teacher, and as a principal at Central (now the district office), Skyline and Solana Vista Elementary Schools. A dedicated educator and administrator in every respect, he is fondly remembered for his creative, often humorous, approach to bringing joy to the learning process, for encouraging staff and students alike, and for the many costumes he enjoyed wearing.A loving and devoted husband, Steve married Joan, also a teacher, in 1970, and the two built a life in Carlsbad. The couple welcomed two children, Megan and Andrew, who adored joking around with their fun-loving father. Steve enjoyed spending time with his family, doing home improvement projects, gardening, and soaking in the spa with his dog.Always up for adventure, Steve loved traveling throughout the USA and internationally. Favorite local destinations included the desert, Dog Beach, and a wide variety of restaurants. For decades, he was easily identified driving around town in his iconic brown-and-tan 1984 Volkswagen van.Wherever Steve went, his warmth, sense of humor, and eagerness to lend a hand won him friends quickly and easily. Many remember his generous spirit, joking demeanor, and the ease with which he could bring a smile to anyone's face. He remains deeply loved, and is sorely missed.The family would like to thank A Friend at Home Care (senior care services), and Hospice of the North Coast, for their compassionate and supportive assistance.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 2 pm at Solana Vista Elementary School (780 Santa Victoria, Solana Beach, CA 92075). All are welcome. This event will be a celebration of Steve's life. We invite attendees to wear bright colors as a way to remember Steve's whimsical spirit. For more information, please email [email protected] honor of Steve's love for children and dogs, donations in his name may be made to the Solana Beach Schools Foundation (https://www.solanabeachkids.org/), and to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society (https://rchumanesociety.org/donate/).

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Published by Del Mar Times on Apr. 4, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Ludwiczak

2 Entries

Ruthie Berenice Martinez

February 28, 2025

I knew Stephen Ludwiczak for many many years! He was my first principal. I attended Central
school, Solana Vista, and Skyline . Mr. Ludwiczak was such a
Wonderful caring gentleman. He took the time
To care about each student he crossed paths with and I was one of them. I remember my first day of first grade and I was always a shy little girl, and was standing outside of the classroom with my mom and I was to shy to walk into the class, so Mr. Ludwiczak was walking by and saw me and my mom and he noticed my shyness and he got me by my hand and took me into the classroom. He had such charisma and love for each student. He was almost like a Father figure to me in some
Ways. From Kindergarten to1st, 2nd and on, Mr. Ludwiczak saw me grow up in the Solana Beach School District. From 1st grade to the 5th grade! Whether at Halloween Carnivals, PTA Meetings and Assemblies, I always saw his smiling face. There are people
That had such an impact in my
Life as a kid in School and he was one of those
Persons! I recall running into him as an adult when I had my first Son. I was at the store and he approached me and said,"Hi Ruthie!" How are you? And I started crying because it had been years since I had seen him but he remembered me! I shall never forget him
For making a difference in my life as a shy little girl and for taking time to help me break out of my shyness!

Jayne Bross

April 12, 2024

Mr. Ludwiczak came in from camping to interview me. In Solana Beach laid back style, he came in some casual shorts and a sports shirt. It was the most fun interview I ever experienced! I remember thinking after I was hired- "This is going to be the position of a lifetime!" And it was! Thank you, Mr. Ludwiczak!

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