Steve Zabetakis

1932 - 2025

Steve Zabetakis of Hagerstown, Md passed away September 9, 2025 at Hospice surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 20, 1932 in Burgettstown, PA. he was the son of the late John Emmannel Zabetakis of Crete, Greece and Julia Popeck of Austria.

Steve received his master's degree from the University of Baltimore and a degree from the University of Louisville (SP1) School of Police Management. He was a member of the U.S Army Reserves, 29th Division Military Police Company from 1957-1960. Steve served with the 5th Regiment Army out of Baltimore, Md. He was a member of the 29th Division Association in Cascade, Md. as well as the American Legion Morris Frock Post 42, Hagerstown, Md. Steve retired from the Baltimore City Police Department as a Supervising Sergeant and a retired professor from Hagerstown Community College, Director Criminal Justice Program.

Steve received a Maryland Governor citation of Education Distinguished Service Award from the FBI and a Citation for 25 years as an instructor for Veteran Police Academy - identified as among the top 100 community college faculty in the United States from the National Institute for Staff and Organized Development, University of Texas. All in all - Steve spent more than 50 years in law enforcement.

Steve was a member of the F.O.P. International Police Association and the Baltimore City Police Retired Association. He was of the Catholic faith and was a member of the St. Ann's Catholic Church in Hagerstown. He was a former member of the Gad-abouts Square Dance Club, the Knights of Columbus, and former member of the Suburban Kiwanis.

Steve loved square dancing, talking about his past law enforcement experiences, having breakfast with friends and playing cards. He especially enjoyed talking about his youth and how he met his wife of over 70 years. He loved his family dearly and would always go the extra mile for a friend.

Steve is survived by his wife, Peggy Zabetakis of Hagerstown, Md. whom he married March 19, 1953 in Baltimore, Md.; two sons, John Steven Zabetakis and spouse Kristen (Modesto) of Sneads Ferry, NC; David Bryan Zabetakis and spouse Veronika (Vaclavek) of West Roxbury, MA; daughters Diana Lynn Zabetakis and Vicki Lynn Rill of Frederick, Md.; and sister-in-law Mary Zabetakis of Odenton, Md.

Also surviving are grandchildren Adam Keeney of Coralville, Iowa; Alex Keeney of New English, Iowa; Jason Zabetakis of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; Rachel Stinson (Zabetakis) of Shalimar, Florida; Michael Zabetakis of Hagerstown, Md.; Matthew Zabetakis of Hagerstown, Md.; Niko Zabetakis of Arnold, Md.; Zoe Zabetakis of Arnold, Md.; Andrew Zabetakis of New York City, NY; Magdalena Marie Zabetakis of Boston, MA; step grandchildren Taylor Nelson of Sneads Ferry, NC and Kelsey Nelson of Sneads Ferry, NC; 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Steve is preceded in death by an infant son; brothers Mike Zabetakis, Tom Zabetakis, George Zabetakis; and two sisters Adeline Lewis and Helen DiLeonardi.

The family is so thankful to all who helped in Steve's health care and to those who lovingly had Steve and his family in their thoughts and prayers while he was ill. He truly appreciated the many visits from good friends and family. The family would also like to express a special gratitude to Hospice of Hagerstown and the Doey's House for their amazing care in our father's final hours by providing him with dignity and comfort.

The family will receive friends at Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd. N, Hagerstown, Md. 21742, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18. Military Honors will be performed at 4:30 p.m. A 10:00 a.m. christian funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 19 at Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church, 1525 Oak Hill Ave., Hagerstown, Md. 21742. A celebration honoring Steve's life will be held at the church immediately following the mass. Interment will be private and at the convenience of family at Mt. Olivet's Cemetery in Frederick, Md.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Steve's memory to HCC Foundation (Zabetakis Scholarship), 11400 Robinwood Dr., Hagerstown, Md. 21742 or Doey's House c/o Hospice of Washington County 1710 Underpass Way, Suite 300, Hagerstown, MD 21740

Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com or to Dianazabetakis@gmail.com. Steve Zabetakis