Stephen Keklak

Stephen Keklak of Toms River, NJ, died on November 17, 2014, at the age of 90. He was born in Simpson, PA to Stefan and Tekla Keklak (nee Orynk), who were immigrants to the U.S. from the Austria/Hungarian Empire under Franz Josef in the early 1900’s. Stephen graduated from the largest high school class of Fell Township PA as president and valedictorian of the class of 1942. He joined the Naval Aviation Cadets, but never got to fly. While in the Navy, he spent several years in Radio School. He was honorably discharged from the service of his country in March 1946, as a 1st Class Radio Technician.

After leaving the service, he joined AT&T Long Lines and spent 44 years in Manahawkin, NJ. While there he taught radio in Philadelphia and Newark. During this time, he married Ann Stratton of Beach Haven, NJ. For a brief time, they lived there, later moving to Toms River where they raised their family of 8 sons. Stephen became a member of St. Joseph’s Holy Name Society, serving as Chairman on many committees, including Trustee and Head Usher for about eleven years. He also served on house to house fund drives for the buildings of St. Joseph Church and worked Bingo. He was coordinator of St. Joseph Adoration Chapel, a life member of the Toms River First Aid Squad, and coached the Little League of Toms River. One of Steve’s greatest thrills was pitching a 1 to nothing shutout in Beach Haven against Manahawkin in an eight team Ocean County Baseball League Championship. Another great memory was his enjoyment of the game of golf and making 4 holes in one while playing at Bea Lea Golf Club.

One of Steve’s major achievements was the designing of his present home, building the basement brick by brick, and framing his two story home by himself. Due to a possible transfer of his work at AT&T, he was unable to complete the job by himself.

Stephen is predeceased by his parents; his brothers: Joseph, John, Michael, and Alfred, as well as an infant brother and his sister Mary Campbell, as well as a granddaughter Melissa Keklak. Surviving is his beloved wife Ann, of 66 years and his eight sons, C. Stephen and his daughters Sarah and Hannah; Christopher and his daughters Katherine and Erin; William and his wife Nanci and their son Chad and William’s son William; a great-grandson, Robert Booth, Peter and his wife Myrna, and their daughters: Julia and Melissa Rodriguez and her husband Maudo and their twins Rebecca and Emma; Gregory Paul Keklak, David Martin Keklak and Alexander and his wife Cecilia and their daughters, Erica and Emma; and Michael and his wife Beth, and their children, Andrew, John and Anna. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 20th, from 3:00 to7 :00 PM, at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ. A Mass to celebrate his life will be held 10:00 AM Friday at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church, 685 Hooper Ave. Toms River. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Toms River. In his memory, and in lieu of flowers, Steve would appreciate a donation to “the National Right to Life”, 512 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004. Family and friends are invited to visit www.Andersonandcampbell.com.