LEBANON, NH — Stephen Marchewka, aged 98, passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, surrounded by his wife and children.
Steve was born on February 14, 1922, on Hanover Street, in Lebanon NH to Sophia (Mrozkowska) and Joseph Marchewka. He attended Sacred Heart School, then Lebanon High School where he lettered in three sports. As a senior he was voted “Mr. LHS.”
Following graduation, Steve worked as a machinist at Sullivan Machinery in Claremont. When World War II broke out, he enlisted in the Air Force. As an airman he trained in Biloxi, MS and attended mechanic schools in Tuscon AZ and Denver CO. The war took him to the Pacific Theater where he was stationed in India, as crew chief of a B-29 bomber. He “flew the Hump”, over the Himalayas, many times and received the Bronze Medal for heroic service in a combat zone.
Following military discharge, Steve returned to Lebanon, where he worked at Smith Auto Sales. In 1946 he married Madeline Tanguay at the Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon. The couple raised their family of 4 children in the city of Lebanon.
He owned and operated Steve’s Auto-Body Shop where he worked until he retired in 1984. Steve enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing basketball. But golfing was his favorite sport, usually at the Carter Country Club in Lebanon, where he was on the board of directors, and a champion golfer.
After retiring Steve continued to golf and did so into his early 90s. In his spare time, he loved building and refinishing old furniture for others. Summers found him in his blueberry patch, picking for family and friends, and during the Holidays all looked forward to his home made chocolates.
Steve is survived by his wife, Madeleine; daughters Ann Marchewka of Lebanon, Ellen Bailey (William) of West Lebanon, and Jean LaBombard (Timothy) of Enfield; son John Marchewka (Sherry) of Cape Elizabeth ME; seven grandchildren – Nathan Bailey, Sarah Bailey, Joseph LaBombard, Mathew LaBombard, Stephen Marchewka, Brynee’ and Kelsey Allan, and two great grandchildren – Ian Ly-Bailey and Natalie Bailey-DeRozario. Steve was predeceased by his parent and five siblings: Vera Zerba, Stacia Jackson, Stanley Marchewka, Ethel Jarvis, and Edward Marchewka.
Family and friends are invited to call at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon NH from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. on Sunday, November 8, 2020. Calling hours will be of a walk through style due to COVID-19 . Burial will be at Valley Cemetery on Monday, November 9 at 12:30. Those planning to attend either event are required to wear face masks and observe social distancing.
Memorial donations in Steve’s name can be made to The Steve Marchewka Scholarship Fund, in care of the Mascoma Savings Bank, 67 North Park Street, Lebanon, NH 03766. Gifts will be awarded to Lebanon High School graduates moving into the trades.
To leave a message of condolence for Steve’s family, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickeerfunderalhome.com.