Sigmund "Ziggy" Stanley Stepniewski

Sigmund "Ziggy" Stanley Stepniewski, age 94, of Tampa, Florida passed away peacefully, with his daughter Cece by his side, on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Ziggy was born in South Bend, Indiana to Stanley and Clementine Stepniewski of Ford Street.

Ziggy is survived by his daughter Cece McKiernan (Bob Goodman) of Tampa, Florida, sisters Mary Ann Karnafel and Carol Lee Vanatta (Danny), both of South Bend, brother-in-law, Andrew Barber of Milwaukee, WI, sister-in-law Jean (Donald) Stepniewski of Perrysburg, OH and a plethora of loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews across the globe.

Ziggy graduated from Washington High School in 1946 and worked at Kreamo Bakery and Mohawk Door during this time.

Ziggy was drafted into the Korean War and reported to Camp Atterbury, Indiana on December 12th, 1950. He shipped out through Etajima, Japan in the summer of 1951. Corporal Sigmund Stanley Stepniewski was Honorably Discharged on September 12th, 1952 and has always been honored to have served his country.

After returning from Korea, Ziggy went to work at Singer Manufacturing Company and through a co-worker, Walt Hyduk, was introduced to the love of his life, Kathleen Barber of Cobh, Co. Cork Ireland at the PNA (Polish National Alliance) Club on Western and Olive. Walt’s wife was Kathleen’s sister Caroline.

Ziggy married Kathleen in St. Adalbert’s church in 1955 with the bride wearing a one-of-a-kind dress made for her by Ziggy’s mom, Busia (Clementine Stepniewski) with family and friends celebrating in the traditional way, kielbasa, pierogi, beer and polka dancing into the night.

After several years with no children, a gift from God came in the form of Kathleen’s sister May McKiernan, along with her husband Lou, selflessly giving their seventh of ten children to the Stepniewski’ s to raise, under the condition the two families always remained in close contact. The proposal was received with extraordinary joy by Kathleen and Ziggy and baby Cece was born November 4, 1961, brought back to South Bend and the Stepniewski home was complete. Because of this bond, the two families became one and transatlantic travel was frequent.

Ziggy found career employment at the South Bend Post Office, working as a mail sorter and ending his time there by working the window selling stamps and helping customers at the Olive Street Branch. He loved this part of this job and retired in March of 1981.

Kathleen became ill in the late 1970s and the pair moved to Tampa, Florida where their daughter Cece had moved to attend college and remained in this tropical paradise.

Ziggy was committed to be by Kathleen’s side in sickness and in health as his bond with his Catholic faith became extremely profound during these times of hardship. Praying the rosary, attending mass and honoring Kathleen became his life work.

Ziggy and Kathleen moved into Cece’s house in Tampa in 2003 and his task as Kathleen’s primary caregiver became all encompassing. Grateful to have LifePath Hospice by their side, the family kept Kathleen at home and were present on her passing July 29, 2008.

A constant gardener, lifelong Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, all around sports fan, iPhone whiz, puzzle enthusiast, daily crossword worker keeping his brain sharp, and always up for a trip to the Seminole Hard Rock casino with his best friend and sister Carol Lee, Ziggy was a gift to all who knew him.

After a great life, complications from a fall and hip surgery allowed Ziggy to rejoin the love of his life, Kathleen and he made his final journey home to God.

A visitation for Ziggy will be held Friday, January 13, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Blount & Curry FH-Macdill Chap, 605 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609. A mass will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, followed by a reception in the Social Hall, 4518 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa, FL 33611. Monday, January 16, 2023, at 10:00 AM, Ziggy will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Kathleen, at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 S. W. 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ziggy's memory may be made to Chapters Health Foundation "LifePath Hospice"and EWTN Global Catholic Television Network.

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