Stephen William Tymoczko's Obituary
Stephen William Tymoczko “Steve” passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 26th, 2023, at 81, soon after returning from his 28th cruise. Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Kim, of 27 years; his children, Dr. Laurie Gregor (Kevin), Lori Boyer Overton (John), Ryan Tymoczko, and Stephanie Freeborn; his grandchildren, Nicholas and Michael Ravagnani, Macy Webster, and Reagan and Weston Overton. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
Steve was born in Herkimer, New York, on October 5th, 1942, to John and Anna Tymoczko. He graduated from Purdue University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science and began his career in education. He went on to earn a Master of Education in Administration from Xavier University. Steve shared his love of history and learning with students for thirty-four years in Hillsborough County, Pasco County, Ohio, and New York. Steve went on many adventures, always learning about new things, that he shared with students, friends, and family. Much to his wife’s dismay, he never met a brochure that didn’t make its way home.
Steve was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a man of God; his religion and faith were significant to him. He was a faithful servant to his home church, Holy Trinity Orthodox. Steve was a lifelong member of the Theta Xi fraternity, Theta Chapter, and the Purdue Alumni Association. He loved to watch his Boilermakers in football and basketball. Steve enjoyed attending major sporting events highlighted by the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, numerous football national championships, the NHL All-Star game, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. As an avid hockey fan, Steve was a Season Ticket Member for 19 years with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Steve traveled the world with his wife Kim exploring the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Russia, the British Isles, and throughout the United States. Disney World also held a special place in his heart. He looked forward to vacations with his family at both Disney World and Vero Beach Disney. He especially enjoyed it during the Christmas season. Steve loved the many dogs he cared for, including Puck, Bolt, Jeter, Cajun, Renegade, and Bear. All who knew Steve knew he was an avid collector of many things, including hats, sports paraphernalia, watches, antique bottles, Steamboat Willie, and shot glasses. He never met a freebie he didn’t like or keep. Steve enjoyed stepping up to the karaoke mic and singing country tunes. Steve was a resilient person and an eternal optimist. He could talk with anyone and never met a stranger. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.
A funeral service is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on December 21st at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Spring Hill. Burial will immediately follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life is planned later that day at The Oaks at St. Mark’s (13312 Cain Rd. Tampa, FL) from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m., with Reflections beginning at 2:30. Flowers are accepted, or contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay or the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation.
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