Stephen George Kostelec

Stephen George Kostelec, 66, of New Cumberland, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, while at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. He was the son of the late James and Janet (Shoop) Kostelec, born on March 10, 1958, in Oberlin.

A 1976 graduate of Central Dauphin East High School, he would go on to obtain his bachelor's degree from the former Clarion State College (1980). Shortly thereafter, he joined the family business, Hill Storage and Rigging in Middletown, working his way up to vice-president and co-owner. As much as he enjoyed working alongside his brothers, he was looking forward to retirement and spending more time with his wife and kids this coming year.

Steve was a Penn State sports fanatic, routinely making trips to Happy Valley on Friday nights for hockey games and Saturdays for football. He made countless friends along the way and always appreciated time spent with his kids when they'd join him for a weekend in State College. He was a PIAA football official for many years and maintained an eclectic taste in music. Kayaking was a way to get his adrenaline going, spending many weekends on local waterways or on the Potomac with his college roommate, Mike Progen, if he could get away. Steve and his wife, Debbie, walked and hiked when they could, and Steve had an uncanny ability to talk her into watching the latest movies--the more over-the-top action, the better. As a couple, they enjoyed visiting National and State Parks, and their honeymoon in Scotland was a trip they'd never forget. He was an engaged father and loved being with his son and daughter. As empty nesters, he and Debbie thoroughly enjoyed spoiling their two handsome (four-legged) kids, Joey and Liberty.

Surviving Steve is his wife of 17 years, Debbie Reihart; children, Daniel Kostelec (Tara Clifford) of Gilbertsville, NY, and Jesse Morflak (Michael) of Monroeville, PA, and their mother, Mary B. (Brown) Kostelec; step-children Cameron Blackburn of New Cumberland, PA, and Hannah Cizek (David) of Washington, PA; siblings, Michael Kostelec, David Kostelec, Joanne Fink (Steve), Patti Zimmerman and Laurie Eck; nieces and nephews, including Rachael; his in-laws, Gary and Beverly Reihart; a sister-in-law, Denise Bernatos (Bob); and many life-long friends, like Mike and Steve Slabonik, and Bill Lingle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Kostelec, Jr.

Steve's wishes were to donate his body for the betterment of others, and he did just that by way of organ donation and the anatomical gifts program. 

A Celebration of Life gathering is scheduled for Saturday, January 11th, 2025, at 1:00 at the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, at 1280 Clover Lane, Harrisburg.

Please consider making a contribution in Steve's name to the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111, or online at www.humanesocietyhbg.org.

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