Stephen "Steve" P. Kookan, Jr., 91, passed away on Wed. Aug. 25th while at Mifflin Center, Shillington, where he had been residing since June. Steve was born July 6, 1930 in Allentown to the late Stephen and Katherine (Polakovic) Kookan. He was married to the late Stasia (Foltyn) Kookan for 66 years; Stasia passed away in July 2019. Steve graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1951; he served in Korea and saw combat during the conflict. He often joked that he was part of the "Frozen Chosen" and was proud of his service to his country, and the men he fought alongside. Steve spent his career in sales and was proudest of his career with Decca Records, where he sold over one million records, from Elvis to the Beatles. He retired from Lehigh County Community College in Schnecksville, where he worked for many years. Among Steve's greatest passions was playing the button box accordion with his buddies in Allentown and Binghamton. It brought him much joy to play "his box," with his wife orchestrating and singing Slovak songs. He and Stasia treasured their frequent trips to Czechoslovakia to visit family. He was a die-hard Notre Dame football and women's basketball fan and rarely missed a game. Steve loved baseball and coached CYO teams in Allentown for many years. He had a generous nature and was always willing to lend a hand. He is survived by his children- Jerome, husband of Danelle of Bethlehem; Thomas Sr. of Allentown; Annemarie Faust, wife of Michael Drago of Sinking Spring; and Stephen Jr. of Phoenix, AZ. In addition, he is survived by seven grandchildren: Victoria Heater, Wendi Dougherty, Stephen Kookan III, Thomas Kookan Jr., Daniel Faust, Matthew Kookan and Katie Kookan, as well as numerous great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

He was predeceased by an infant sister, Marie, his brother Francis and his granddaughter Coral Kookan.

A celebration of life for Stephen and Stasia will be held on Friday, Sept. 10th at 11AM in Kohut Funeral Home, Inc. 950 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Burial to follow at St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Cemetery, Allentown.

A memorial contribution can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Morning Call on Sep. 5, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Kookan

Sponsored by Kohut Funeral Home, Inc..

11 Entries

Dan Kendra

September 2, 2023

I loved playing baseball for Mr. Kookan! He coached us for Our Lady Help Of Christians, and the East Side Rams Organization at Irving Park. He loved baseball, and he passed that on to us! Always positive and fun! He helped make our childhoods on the East Side wonderful

Mary Anne (Kinek) Fisher Coplay

September 1, 2023

Greetings to all the Kookan´s. Can´t believe it´s 2 years since Steve has passed! Sure do miss him, as I know you all do!!! Thoughts and prayers go out to Steve and Stacy and family!
Mary Anne (Kinek) Fisher
Coplay, PA

Dolly Kernick

September 11, 2021

Dear Jerry,Annmarie,Tommy and Stevie
Your mom and dad were great people. After John and I married we lived in one of your parents apartments on Jerome St.
It didn't take long to become friends with them.
I'm so sorry to know both are deceased.
I have many fond memories of swimming, picnicking and just sitting outside on the glider laughing and talking.
My deepest sympathy to all of you at this difficult time.I
Dolly
John passed away 9 years ago.

Arnie Wetzel Family

September 6, 2021

To the Kookan Family,

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Mr./Coach Kookan. He was special and a great coach to many of us on the East Side. As another Jerome Street family, I had the pleasure to play and win a championship for him at OLHC. He taught us to play hard and smart, and respect our side of town. He impacted each of us who ever played for him. Years later when he and my parents ran into each other near Pates Park, they would laugh and share many stories of music, baseball and the East Side. Rest in Peace. Know he was a special man to many of us.

Grateful

September 6, 2021

Sir,
Thank You for Your service to our country.

God Bless You!
God be with your family!

Sincerely,
A Grateful US Citizen

Marti & Scott

September 5, 2021

Condolences to his family and friends. I will never forget him and think of him and Stasia every time I play the button box. He was a nice man who loved to have a good time. I have fond memories of the times we shared playing music together. So sorry for your loss.

Jack Gibbon

September 5, 2021

My thoughts are with the Kookans as I offer my deepest condolences. I was a next door neighbor on Jerome Street during my teen age / college years when the Kookans moved in and remember Steve and Stasia well. My parents (both now deceased) always spoke highly of both of them.
A few months ago Annemarie and I had a chance meeting at a dentist office in Reading. It was nice to make the connection and catch up, so I was somewhat aware of Steve's situation. Reading his obituary and the memories included herein enhanced my appreciation of his character. Bless his soul.

Robert Erie

September 5, 2021

So sad to see the passing of a True Hero to the East Side of Allentown.Mr Kookan was not only a kind soul but a coach and mentor to many of us kids trying to find our way in life.He coached baseball for the East Side Rams summer leagues for years.He was seen regularly at the park throughout the summers giving instruction on baseball at all levels.Thankyou Mr Kookan and RIP.Until our paths meet again may God Bless and peace be with the entire Kookan family.

Dan Kendra

September 2, 2021

I will never forget Mr. Kookan and family for allowing us to move in to their Jerome Street apartment after my father died in 1972. It was a blessing in a time of need that Mr. Kookan and other men from OLHC parish helped my Mother, brother, and myself find a way to survive and move on with life. Mr Kookan was a coach for our CYO baseball team, and I always remember him being so happy being on that baseball field around the kids. He had a real passion for baseball, and conveyed his knowledge to the young players. I remember him as our first base coach always having a little joke while you were standing on first. Just a great guy! He was a close friend to my father. They would go fishing up at Beltsville. I'm sure they're in heaven right now talking about some of those days. God rest his soul! I know he's in his glory!

Roy and Mary Anne (Kinek) Fisher

September 1, 2021

To all the Kookan´s,
So sorry for your loss of Steve! His obituary was a true testament of the great man he was! He never missed a Vikette Softball Game at Pates Park, where we got to know Steve and Stacy! They were fun to be around! RIP In the arms of Jesus!
The Fisher´s from Coplay

Paul Sincavage

September 1, 2021

Deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. I remember spending time at house on Jerome st and wildwood shore trip in 75. Awesome coach at OLHC and a great man!! Saddened me to hear of his passing as well as brought back great memories RIP MR KOOKAN

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