Stephen John Zagursky Jr.

Stephen John Zagursky, Jr., 78, of Newport News, Virginia passed suddenly on December 31, 2025.

Steve was born in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen John Zagursky and Josephine Poska Zagursky and his daughter, Karen Kathleen Zagursky.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Anne of 57 years; his children, Meredith Cowley (Mark), Keith Zagursky (Kelly), Kevin Zagursky (Juanita), Erin Jay (David), Michael Zagursky (Shannon), and Anne Schaefer (Casey); and his eleven grandchildren Giovanni, Katie, Kylie, Ivan, Levi, Landon, Reagan, Ryan, Baylee, Rylee, and Layne.

Steve grew up in Forest City, Pennsylvania and graduated from Forest City High School (1965) and Lackawanna Junior College (1968). He married Judy in 1968, and they moved to Tennessee where Steve studied accounting and finance at Bethel College on a full tuition scholarship. After graduating from Bethel College (1970) and earning top honors as Valedictorian, he moved to Newport News, Virginia with his wife and new baby to begin a long career as an auditor for Defense Contract Audit Agency (Department of Defense). During his years of service, Steve was recognized by top officials receiving numerous awards including commendations from two US Presidents for his superior work. After 39 years, he retired from DCAA. For the next 17 years, he helped Judy watch most of the grandchildren after school and in the summer.

Steve was a devout Christian and active member of St. Jerome Catholic Church for 55 years, serving several terms on the parish council and as a Eucharistic minister. He worked in the children's nursery, taught children's liturgy, worked with the funeral committee and helped with the welcoming committee. He was also a firm believer in Christian education, serving on the school board of Olivet Christian Kindergarten (where his children attended preschool and kindergarten). He invested in Christian education for all of his children, sending all of them to Mary Atkins Christian Day School and Hampton Christian Academy. From these seeds that Steve and Judy planted, all of the grandchildren have also attended Christian schools.

Throughout his life, Steve's greatest joy was spending time with family on a regular basis. Whether he was meeting with each of his children weekly for dinner or attending birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and school events, he created memories that would be treasured forever. Each of his children and grandchildren had a special bond with their grandpa that will never be forgotten.

Steve was a loving husband, father, and grandparent. With his dad jokes, puns, and family inside jokes, he had a sense of humor that made everyone laugh. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at St. Jerome Catholic Church at 12:00pm on Friday, January 9, 2026, followed by a service at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Steve Zagursky Memorial Fund at Hampton Christian Academy. (Call 757-838-7538 or email finance@hca757.org)

Arrangements are under the care of Weymouth Funeral Home, Newport News, VA.