Stephen P. DePalma

Stephen P. DePalma, 41, of Carbondale, passed away Wednesday at home, surrounded by family, after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. His wife is Jamie (Bonacci) DePalma.

Born in Carbondale, son of Linda (Abraham) DePalma and the late Paul DePalma, he was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Carbondale. Steve was employed as a laborer for the Local 158, as well as the Carbondale Housing Authority.

Family and sports were a big part of Stephen's life. Steve was a 1998 graduate of Sacred Heart High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete. He excelled in both basketball and baseball. Steve was a diehard Chicago Bears fan.

Being a father was special to Steve. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, spending quality time with his boys and their friends, coaching their athletic teams or offering encouraging words. On the day of his son's games, he always told them "you have one job to do, go do it and do it well." As recent as last week, Steve offered this same advice to his youngest son before his baseball game. On that particular day, Vin was glad to come home and report to his Dad, "Job is done, Dad. 17 strikeouts and a shut out." At that moment, Stephen beamed with pride.

Steve enjoyed spending time with his late father. Working with and learning from his Dad brought him great joy. In addition, making sopressata with his Dad was always something he took great pleasure in.

Steve was a great friend and someone you always enjoyed spending time with. He will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Kumaria and the nurses of VNA Hospice & Home Health.

Surviving are two sons, Marino and Vincent DePalma (at home); sister, Andrea Mayer and husband, Michael, Carbondale; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Sue Daniels; brothers-in-law, Marty Bonacci, California; and Leonard Bonacci, Philadelphia; godchildren, Kia Andidora, Matt and Emily Mayer; several nieces, nephews and countless friends.

The funeral will be Saturday from Lawrence A. Gabriel Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 2 Hospital St., Carbondale, with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Carbondale. Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill.

Friends may call for a walk-through viewing Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required and social distancing will be observed at both the funeral home and church. Please limit conversation and exit the funeral home in a timely manner in order for everyone to have the opportunity to offer their condolences. A wait time may occur before entering the funeral home.

To offer an online condolence, visit the funeral home's website.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Carbondale Little League or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (the Hambone Gift Fund).