Rev. Stephen Vasek, OMI

Rev. Stephen A. Vasek, OMI, 81, passed away on October 25, 2025 after lengthy period of declining health, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence, Tewksbury, Massachusetts. He was born in Piqua, Ohio, son of the late Anthony and Lorraine (Koca) Vasek.

Fr. Vasek entered the Oblate Novitiate in Tewksbury, MA in 1964. He professed his first vows on September 8, 1965, at the Oblate Novitiate in Tewksbury and was ordained to the priesthood on May 24, 1971, by the late Bishop Edward Hermann in Washington DC.

Following ordination Fr. Steve served as an Associate Pastor at Holy Angels Parish in Buffalo, NY (1971-1978). He then was Chaplain at Bishop Neumann High School in Williamsville, NY for five years (1978-1982). Fr. Steve went on to serve as the Associate Pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Grand Rapids, MI (1982-1986), his home parish. In 1986, he became Pastor at St. Alphonsus Church & Missions in Covington, KY until 1989. Fr. Steve returned to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish for five years (1989-1991) where he served as an Associate Pastor. From 1992 until 2020, he was a part of the Preaching Ministry Team based at the Oblate Residences in Washington, DC and Buffalo, NY. In 2020, Fr. Steve continued preaching at Holy Cross Parish in Buffalo, NY. In March of 2025, Fr. Steve retired to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence in Tewksbury, MA.

Father Steve is survived by his sister Barbara (Vasek) Madura and her husband Christopher of Grand Rapids, MI, and his nephew and nieces: Jason Christopher Madura, Tiffany Lynn Peters and Candace Christine Donahue.

Family and friends are invited to Fr. Vasek’s Funeral Services at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 486 Chandler Street, Tewksbury, MA, on Friday, October 31st. Morning Prayer will be celebrated at 9:00am, followed by a period of visitation. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00am in the Chapel. For the Funeral Mass Livestream please visit https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a2510615538800 or www.mckennaouellette.com Burial at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury, MA will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Oblate Residence, 486 Chandler Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876 in Father Steve’s memory.