Obituary of Steven J. Sapka

Steven J. Sapka, 81, passed away on Friday, December 13.  He was an Air Force Veteran and a graduate of Onondaga Community College. Steve was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He would do anything for his family and friends. He was truly a people person—always ready with a story to anyone who would listen especially when recounting memories of the old parochial basketball league. He could recall who won and exactly who scored and when.

Steve worked forThe Syracuse City School District as a carpenter for 37 years.  He often said he wished he never retired.  He was the definition of a hard worker, and his sense of humor and pranks kept people on their toes. He loved his job and being around his colleagues. He coached his daughters in softball and his son in little league.  He was always available to volunteer when needed. Steve was an usher at St. Patrick’s church.  He also spent time helping out at Caloia’s Garage. He delivered Meals on Wheels five days a week until this past October.  He was always ready to anyone whenever he was needed. Steve was an avid Red Sox and Pope Francis Prep Cardinal Fan. He was a loyal season ticket holder for SU Football and the Syracuse Crunch.

Steve was pre-deceased by his mother, Mary Cuozzo, his father, Steve Sapka, his sister, Beverly McCarthy and his beloved daughter, Stepheni. Sapka.

Steve is survived by his wife of 52 years, Christena Payne Sapka, daughter, Christena (Peter) Reiser, son, Mark Sapka, his 4 grandchildren, Jeremy, Zachary, Jason, and Tara Reiser, his sister, Catherine Cuozzo, brother-in-law, Peter (Patricia) Payne, sister-in-law, Dina (Payne) Dugan, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and Kyaw Pong.

Services will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 10am at St. Patrick's Church, 216 N. Lowell Ave. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 4 to 7pm at the Edward J. Ryan & Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave.  Burial will be in Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Meals on Wheels and St. Patrick’s Church.