Stephen Cernik

It is with heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of Stephen Andrew Cernik who crossed the bar on January 7, 2025, at the age of 75.
Born on October 19, 1949, in Bayside, Queens, New York, to Stephen and Emilie Cernik. He was the beloved younger brother of Christine Cernik. Stephen was a devoted father, loving husband, loyal brother, and cherished grandfather. In August 1976, he married Donna Elliott, with whom he raised three children: Stephen Elliott Cernik, Elliott Andrew Cernik, and Jessica Emilie-Marie Cernik Leger. Later in life, Stephen married Mary-Jo Fox, embracing the role of stepfather to Jeffrey Fox Johnson, Todd Jarrett, Johnson, and Jamie Elizabeth Johnson Ash. He was a proud grandfather to Isis Mara Johnson, Keiji Johnson, Andrew Aiden Cernik, Anthony Christopher Cernik, Austin Matthew Ash, Aiden James Ash and Dean Cooper Cernik.
A man of many talents and passions, Stephen's career spanned over several fields. He was a Naval Reserve Officer, a skilled Gas Turbines Sales Engineer and even became a home builder. His love for aviation led him to become a licensed pilot to fly his own Cessna. An adventurer at heart, Stephen's love for the outdoors and the sea was a defining part of his life. He was an avid sailor, and his influence led his children to share in the same love for the water and follow in his footsteps to become Merchant Mariners. Stephen was also an Eagle Scout and a dedicated Cub Scout leader, where he mentored many young Scouts, imparting values of integrity and community service.
He and Mary-Jo had a deep passion for travel and experiencing different cultures. A lifelong traveler, Stephen's stories from across the globe reflected his curiosity and zest for life. He was always up for an adventure, whether it was finding a good deal, sailing his sailboat across the Gulf of Mexico or enjoying a cruise across the ocean.
Stephen's warmth, spirit, and sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love, service, and adventure will continue to inspire his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Olpin Family Mortuary Chapel; 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing before the service at the mortuary from 10:00 - 10:45 AM. The interment will follow the funeral in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to New York Maritime College Summer Sea Term Scholarship Fund in Stephen's memory. The scholarship helps support young cadets in need with their goals of becoming sailors by providing financial assistance with their Summer Sea Term on the training ship, the Empire State. You may find the link below.
Condolences may be sent to the family at olpinmortuary.com.