Steven Adler Straka

Steven "Steve" Adler Straka, born on February 12, 1955, in Newark, NJ, passed away on March 13, 2026, in Wilmington, NC, at the age of 71, with his wife, Laraine by his side. Steve's journey through life was marked by dedication, love, and an unyielding spirit that inspired all who knew him.

Steve's professional career path led him and his family to vibrant cities such as Chicago, IL, and Salt Lake City, UT, where he served as a Director of Sales for Mondi North America Packaging. Despite these moves, Steve always found time to enjoy one of his greatest passions: playing golf with work colleagues and friends, forging lasting bonds along the fairways.

Steve had the knack of making friends wherever he went and had the ability to light up any room the moment he walked in. With his warm and welcoming personality, he made everyone feel like a friend; once you became a friend, it was for life. Over the years he formed many close circles of friends, often serving as the glue that kept those groups connected. He was generous, caring, and always willing to help others.

Most importantly, Steve loved his family deeply. His devotion to Laraine, Stephanie, and Bill was unmatched, and they were always at the center of his life.

Steve and Laraine met through friends who went to high school with Laraine and graduated from Trenton State College with Steve. They were joyfully married on November 10, 1984, at Forsgate Country Club, embarking on a journey filled with shared dreams and cherished memories. Together, they lived briefly in East Brunswick, NJ, before settling in Naperville, IL, for 29 years. Steve concluded his illustrious career in Draper, UT, before retiring to the welcoming community of Leland, NC, in 2019.

Preceded in death by his parents, Helen Adler and Jack Straka, and his brother, Mark Straka, Steve leaves behind a loving family who will carry his legacy forward. He is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Laraine Straka; his daughter, Stephanie Straka (fiancé Elijah Robertson); his son, Bill Straka; and his sister, Harriet Straka along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

Although there are not formal services planned, in lieu of flowers his family requests memorial donations be made to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation in Steve's honor, celebrating a man whose life was defined by love, integrity, and an enduring impact on those fortunate enough to know him.

Please leave memories and condolences for Steve's family under "Share a Memory".

Care entrusted to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation - Wilmington Chapel - 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099