Stephen L. Nemeckay Jr.

Steven was born on June 6, 1937, to Stephen and Stasia Nemeckay in Newark, N.J.

He left high school to work on the loading dock at Branch Motors in Newark, where his father was employed as a truck driver. At 18, he enlisted in the United States Army and served for four years as an Army Culinary Specialist at Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va., and at Fort Bliss in Texas.

His service in the U.S. military counted toward his seniority at Branch Motors and upon his return he was employed as a driver. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 478.

He retired at 45 and spent the next 24 years working at the Newark Airport Marriott pool, where he got to meet “everybody.” In fact, when comedian George Carlin came to do a show in the area, he would often sit with at the pool and talk with Steve. The Thanksgiving dinner table at Steve and Eleanor’s house was often filled with guests who would otherwise spend Thanksgiving alone.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Steve delighted in time spent with his family and friends. His children fondly remember two cross-country family vacations in a VW camper; each time Steve took a different route so they could see more of the country. He enjoyed spending time having coffee with friends every day or sharing a beer with friends at the American Legion in Roselle Park. He attended Mass at Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church.

Steve was always ready to lend a helping hand to make someone’s life a little easier, whether it was driving an elderly neighbor to the grocery store or taking a parishioner to church each week.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Janice Nemeckay, son Stephen Nemeckay III, daughter-in-law, Patricia Nemeckay and cherished grandchildren Calvin and Sara Nemeckay. He is predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Eleanor Nemeckay.

A wake will be held March 18 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Ave., Union. The funeral will be held on March 19 at 10 a.m. at Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church.

Interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Linden.

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