Stephen Chapman Sutusky

Stephen Chapman Sutusky, 41, passed away May 29, following an extended illness surrounded by his loving family. Born April 7, 1982 in West Columbia, he was the son of Kathryn Suzette Fay Sutusky and the late John Charles Sutusky.

Stephen was a graduate of Dreher High School where he was a multi-year, all-state wrestler in his weight class, ran cross country, and swam competitively. While at Dreher, he competed in the congressional debate at the National Tournament sponsored by the National Forensics League.

He was born into a family of educators which greatly influenced his postsecondary education. Stephen graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA in Political Science, a Masters of Teaching in Secondary Education, and a Masters of Education in Educational Administration.

After graduation, Stephen began his career at Camden High School teaching government, economics, law education, and high school 101, a course which he helped develop. While there, he was the head wrestling coach, assistant football coach, and coached the girls’ soccer and tennis teams. He later moved into administration and became assistant principal at E.L. Wright Middle School and Northside Middle School before finally becoming an education associate for the Office of Virtual Education at the South Carolina Department of Education.

One of Stephen’s lasting legacies is that his passion for teaching and coaching was only surpassed by his care and the welfare not only of those students he taught or coached, but any young person who sought him out for advice, help or, just a friendly chat.

Stephen had the gift of gab and made friends wherever he went. Because of this, he was blessed to have friends from near and far as he never met a stranger. He could make anyone laugh, and anyone who crossed his path walked away with a great story to share about Stephen. His laughter, keen humor, and wit brought smiles to countless people, not only to his family but also his friends, colleagues and students.

Stephen had a great love of sports and cheered faithfully for his favorite teams, especially for South Carolina, Florida State, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates. He could recite endless sports stories and trivia and loved talking sports with his friends, but especially with his late father, John.

The greatest accomplishments of his life were his marriage to his wife, Shelby, and the birth of their daughter, Stella. He was blessed even more to gain two additional children, Jim and Georgia, through his marriage to Shelby.

Stephen lived for his family. And even through his sickness, he moved mountains to make sure his children had a normal and loving childhood experience and happy memories that will stand the test of time.

Stephen is survived by his wife Shelby; daughter Stella, stepchildren Jim and Georgia Kellahan; mother Kathryn Sutusky; sister Sarah Sutusky Hood (Robert); stepmother Rebecca Sutusky; stepsister Yarley Steedly; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, John Sutusky.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 2, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Union United Methodist Church in Irmo.

The family wishes to thank the medical and care teams at MUSC and Mayo Clinic, especially Dr. Kate Silver and Dr. Brian Greenwell of MUSC.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Stephen C. Sutusky to Epworth Children’s Home PO Box 50466 Columbia, SC 29250 or online at https://www.epworthchildrenshome.org/give/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dunbarfuneralhomedutchfork.com for the Sutusky family.