Stephen John Rechner

Stephen John Rechner, 89, passed away in Indian Land, South Carolina on June 9, 2019. He was born on January 2, 1930 in New York City, NY to the late Stephen John Rechner and Rose Marek Rechner. Stephen is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan Miller Rechner, his daughter, Kathleen Swatkoski and son-in-law William Swatkoski, his son Stephen Rechner, his grandson Peter Wacelitz and his wife Jamie, and his 2 Great-Grandchildren Alexandra and Noah. He served in the Army National Guard for 25 years rising to the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged. He was the first in his family to attend college, earning a BA from Brooklyn College and a Masters Degree from the University of Connecticut. Highlights of his 40-year career include several years as editor for the Hartford Courant followed by several years as the Public Affairs Director at Eastern Connecticut State College. Throughout his life Stephen was an avid reader who enjoyed photography, collecting antique cameras and electric trains, volunteering at Roseland Cottage, an historic New England home in Woodstock CT, and teaching German at a local community college in Connecticut where he resided until last October. In lieu of flowers a donation will be accepted “In memory of Stephen Rechner for Roseland Cottage” https://www.historicnewengland.org/get-involved/donate/ Local Memorial Services for Steve will be private. There will be a Military Burial Service at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida later this year, date to be determined.