Stephen “Cheb” Nalewajko

Stephen C. Nalewajko, 93, of Wyoming passed away Saturday July 8th at his home.

Born on the 4th of July 1930, in Wyoming, PA to Stephen Nalewajko Catherine (Sczpanczak) Nalewajko

Stephen was one of 8 children. He grew up in Wyoming and graduated from Wyoming Memorial High School in 1949. During his sophomore year (1947) in high school he was elected to the Great Pittston all Scholastic Football Team and was the leading scorer. He was an honored member of all state. After high school (1950) Stephen enlisted in the US Navy, he served our county for six and a half years, during the Korean conflict. He was stationed at N.A.S., Whiting Field, Florida, U.S.S. Boxer CVE-21, Korea, U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA-42 and N.A.S. VR-1 Squadron, Patuxent, Maryland. During his Naval career he received many commendations, including: Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, US Korean Service Medal, UN Korean Service Medal, ROK War Service Medal Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and Korean Defense Commemorative Medal. In 1956 he married the love of his life, Helen Matovchak. They were married for 57 years, and were blessed with 5 children; Stephen III, Katherine, Danny (deceased), Jean and Pamela; two grandsons, Stephen IV and Christopher; 2 great-grandchildren Kylie and Daniel. Steve worked as a General Foreman at The Trane Co., for 42 years, until retirement. He belonged to many clubs and organizations, including St Joseph’s Church/St Monica’s, Life Member of Post 396, Wyoming, PA (since 1956 and was elected Post Commander from 1983-1988). He was appointed outstanding post commander for 3 years from 1983-1985, and served 2 terms as district 11 commander and outstanding district commander for the period 1986 and 1991, he was appointed national aid de camp 1983-1987; 2003-2005; appointed home association president for post 396 for 16 years, he was a life member of American Legion Post 492, life member Military order of Cooties 526, American Veterans Post 59, Korean War Veterans, Black Sheep Squadron Marine Core League, Forty-Eight Voiture Local 549, National Rifle Association, Life Member Hose Company # 1, Wyoming, PA, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Tree Top Hunting Club member, Board of Directors of PA Crime Stoppers, Wyoming Borough Councilman, Nominee for Humanitarian Award, and served as a Borough Councilman in Wyoming Borough for 22 years.

Stephen was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Matovchak Nalewajko; brothers, Stanley, Henry, Albert and Lucian; and sisters, Stella Klimchak, Helen Rusin and Anna Shatrowsy; and several nieces and nephews.

Dad left instructions to his children to celebrate his mission, he loved his family and friends. His only fault was his generosity and big heart. He worked very hard until his Calling, we can only hope to be the person he was.

If a man’s wealth was measured by the number of friends-Dad would be a Very Wealthy Man.

To all family and friends in need, call Cheb at 1-800-HEAVEN.

Thank you, Dad, for a lifetime of Beautiful Memories.

Funeral service will be held Friday July 14, 2023, at 9:30am from the Metcalfe Shaver Kopcza Funeral Home Inc 504 Wyoming Avenue Wyoming with a mass of Christian burial at 10am in St. Monica Parish 363 West 8th Street West Wyoming, Father Peter Tomczak, celebrant.

Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Wyoming.

Friends may call Thursday 5-8pm in the funeral home.

For more information or to send condolences please visit us at www.MetcalfeShaver.com.