Stephen Stahl Strunck, 81

August 24, 1942 - December 16, 2023

Stephen Stahl Strunck (Steve) was born on August 24, 1942 in Milwaukee WI and died on December 16, 2023 at Moravian Manor in Lititz PA after a long illness.
He was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Dorothy Strunck and Aunt Betty Lou Stahl. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joanne Potts Strunck; son Brian (Kelly) from Massillon OH, son Erik (Amy) from Cary NC, six grandchildren (Sarah, Jonathan, MaryKate, Elias, Elijah, and Lily); brother Peter VanAllen from Cottage Grove OR; and sister-in-law Susan Potts (Karen Kohn) from Lewes DE.

Steve was a man of generosity and integrity and was selfless in his devotion to his wife, children and grandchildren. Steve’s remarkable intellect was balanced by his subtle sense of humor, the twinkle that was always in his eye, and his “salty” language which was more endearing than it was offensive.

He was an enthusiastic supporter of his sons’ scholastic and athletic endeavors serving as little league baseball coach for several years and #1 fan at their wrestling matches throughout high school and college. He was always there for them, over the years, whatever various situations called for.

There was not a household project that Steve could not tackle. Most impressive was the transformation of two basements into first-rate recreational rooms, doing all the work himself, while incorporating the projects into a learning experience for Brian and Erik.

Recreationally, Steve and Joanne enjoyed annual travel to Key West and Hilton Head, as well as attending NCAA Frozen Four championships each Spring. Over the years they maintained a close relationship with graduate school friends, gathering collectively and individually for football games, baseball games, dinner, and for 30 consecutive years, annual reunions.

Steve’s many professional accomplishments and degrees include: a B.S in Metallurgical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy NY in 1963, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity; an M.S. and PhD in Metallurgy and Materials Science from Lehigh University in Bethlehem PA in 1971, where he served as a research assistant and laboratory instructor; and a Juris Doctor from Duquesne University Law School in Pittsburgh 1978. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1982 and later to the American Bar Association.

Over the years Steve worked as a research engineer for the US Corps of Engineers in Champaign IL; for Westinghouse Electric Company, both in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program at Bettis Atomic Power Lab in Pittsburg PA and the Naval Reactors Facility in Idaho Falls ID; in the patent departments of GE Corporate Research in Schenectady NY and GE Aircraft Engines in Cincinnati OH; and finally the Intellectual Property Law Department of IBM in Somers NY where he worked for the last 20 years of his career.

He retired from IBM in 2013 and moved with Joanne to the beach area of Delaware. In 2017 they relocated to Moravian Manor Retirement Community in Lititz PA where Steve could receive the extra care he needed and Joanne could return to her beloved Lancaster County. Throughout his 91/2 year illness from a brain hemorrhage Steve exemplified the same strong character, tenacity, and determination that served him so well throughout his life. He gracefully accepted his limitations, relieving many of the potential pressures of caregiving.

The family wishes to thank the nurses, aides, doctors, social workers, and many others at both Moravian Manor and Masonic Homes Hospice who provided Steve with tender and loving care for over 3 years.

Steve & Joanne are members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, 200 W. Orange St. Lititz, PA 17543, where Steve’s memorial service will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023, at 11 AM. Guests will be greeted from 10:30 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either St. Paul Lutheran Church, at the address listed, the benevolence fund of Moravian Manor, 300 Lemon St., Lititz PA 17543; or Guiding Eyes for the Blind.