Stephen J. Vitek

VITEK, Stephen J., 86, of Henrico, Va., formerly of Lansford, Pa., peacefully entered into eternal rest Sunday, January 16, 2022. Steve was the loving husband of Frances Hydro Vitek for 59 years and the proud father of three children, Karen F. Vitek, Ann J. Vitek and Victor S. Vitek (Sonya).

Steve was the son of the late Paul F. Vitek and Anna (Homisak) Vitek. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances H. Vitek; daughter, Karen F. Vitek; and three siblings, brother, Paul R. Vitek and sisters, Marie Richards and Dolores A. Vitek.

Steve was an outstanding multisport athlete at Lansford High School, and played fullback on North Carolina State's first ACC championship team in 1957. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and played football in the service leagues while stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany. It was there that he began to develop his coaching and teaching skills. Steve married his high school sweetheart, Frances, in 1961, and together they moved to Virginia where he began his teaching and coaching career at Stafford High School. In 1962, he joined coach, John Brown at the new Henrico High School, where his tenure lasted nearly 20 years. In 1976, Steve earned his master's in education from VCU. He moved on to teach at the newly opened Mills E. Godwin High School in 1981, where he became department chairman as well as offensive coordinator for the Eagles, who went on to capture four district titles and two regional titles. After retiring in 1991, Steve was inducted into the Carbon County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, joining both his father and brother as members.

Steve was a longtime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and The Touchdown Club of Richmond, where he proudly served as president from 1992 to 1995. He enjoyed his side hustle as an artist, where his artistic hand can still be seen on the academic and gymnasium walls of at least six county schools, and on numerous trophy footballs, certificates and awards. In retirement, he and Frances loved traveling to Raleigh for Wolfpack football games, taking care of their beautiful home and celebrating every single win over UNC! Steve was a devoted son, husband, father, friend and mentor all the while enjoying the friendships he made and the successes of those he taught, coached and befriended.

A joint funeral service for Steve and Frances will be held at 10 a.m. on April 23, 2022 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 8200 Woodman Rd., Richmond, Va. 23228, followed by burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.