Steven J. Walczak

Steven was born on June 8th, 1951 and passed away on
March 24th, 2025 at the age of 73Steven Joseph Walczak, age 73, passed away on March 24, 2025 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona after a hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on June 8, 1951, Steve dedicated many years to his career as a railroad mechanic at Eastman Kodak, where his expertise and hard work were highly valued.
Steve was a selfless, kind, smart, social, and loving individual, cherished by all who knew him. He was an adrenaline junkie and a true gearhead. His passion for cars and car racing was profound, with his first race car being a 1969 Camaro. He paused racing to spend time on his daughters' activities and hobbies as they grew up. During that time he fed his passion for motorsports by rebuilding street rods, and became a member of the Rochester Street Rods car club where he and his wife Sally formed lifelong friendships over many years. Once his girls were grown he returned to his love of racing. Along with his wife Sally, aka "crew chief", he formed SS3 race team, participating in drag races across the Country with the NPCA and then the NDRL where he and Sally added to their long list of friends that are like family. Steve was a formidable competitor in the 7.0 class, reaching speeds up to 200 mph and covering the quarter mile in just 7 seconds. He later moved on to race in El Mirage dry lake bed in a '53 Studebaker. He co-owned the car with his dear friend Barry, with whom he spent countless hours in the garage putting heart and soul into the car. He could most often be found in his garage, working on a project of his own or helping friends with theirs. He loved to talk, work on projects and visit with people. He was an amazing husband and father, and he loved being "Pa" to his 2 granddaughters and "PaPa" to his 3 great grandchildren.
Steven is survived by the love of his life, his beloved wife and soulmate Sally; loving daughters Stephanie Armstrong and Valerie Walczak-Bitetti; his granddaughters Maris and McKenna whom he had a close, special relationship with; and his great-grandchildren, Gavin, Sophia, and Sebastian whom he adored; brothers Gary and Mark Walczak; sisters Wendy Brockmann, Lynn Kowalczuk, and Barbara O'brien; many special nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends from all throughout the Country. He was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Jeanne Walczak.
Celebration of life will be held at a later date in Lake Havasu City AZ, and also in the Summer in Rochester NY where friends, family, and acquaintances can gather to honor his memory, support the family, and share good memories of Steve once the family has had time to process this profound loss.