Edward Raymond Stepnowski

Edward Raymond Stepnoski, age 91, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2023. He was born on August 8, 1932, in Southampton, N.Y., to the late Bruno and Sophie Stepnoski. He was predeceased by his eldest son Edward William Stepnoski and grandson Kevin Boone Stepnoski of Fuquay-Varina.

Ed graduated from the Academy of Aeronautics, NY, in 1953 and was employed by Wright Aeronautical in experimental jet engine assembly. In 1954 he was drafted into the Army. After his tour of duty, he was employed by Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. in Riverhead, NY. His expertise in aviation led him to a position as Field Service Representative for Grumman Aircraft whose planes were used by the Army, Marines, and Navy. In working with these services, Ed and his family lived in New York, Maryland, Alabama, North Carolina, and California as well as Germany for four years. Ed had two tours of duty in Vietnam with Marine squadrons and an 8-month tour of duty with the Navy on the aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise, the first deployment of the Grumman Tomcat, the F14. Ed retired in 1991 as Grumman Area Manager at Cherry Point Marine Corp. Air Station.

Ed was a life member of the Knights of Columbus serving a term as Grand Knight and then as Treasurer for nine years. He was an avid trap shooter at the Craven County Law Enforcement Officers Association. He enjoyed sailing and woodworking, was a cryptogram enthusiast, and over the years was involved in many charitable programs. Ed was a true “Mr. Fix-It” and always ready to lend a helping hand. Ed was very devoted to his family and enjoyed all of our many family gatherings and celebrations. He never turned down an opportunity to enjoy a Scotch with his family on special occasions.

Ed is survived by his wife, Sadie, of 65 years, his daughter Lynn Brinkley (Steve) of Dacula, GA, his two sons James (Renee) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and Eric (Carrie) of Raleigh, NC, and daughter-in-law Lydia Stepnoski of Fuquay-Varina, NC. Grandchildren Anna Bryant (David) of Portland, TN, Stephen Brinkley (Sophia) of Savannah, GA, Virginia Brinkley of Murrayville, GA; Allison Stepnoski of Willow Springs, NC; James and Tyler Stepnoski of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Alex and Abbie Stepnoski and step-granddaughters Kaylee and Abbie Saaranen of Raleigh, NC; two great-grandchildren David Elijah and Taylor Rae Bryant of Portland, TN.

The funeral will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church at 11:00 am on Friday, December 15, 2023, with Father Steven officiating. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the funeral mass. Funeral arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to the St. Paul Catholic Church Building Fund, 3005 Country Club Road, New Bern, NC 28562.