Russell James Stecyk

Russell James Stecyk, age 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 17, 2023, with family at his bedside. Russell entered the world on August 5, 1937 in Hammond, Indiana, and came home to mom, dad, and big brother Andrew. The following August, sister Eileen joined the family, followed 3 years later by brother David, born in neighboring Calumet City, Illinois, where the family resided until they moved to California. Early on, Russ and Andy formed a lifelong bond. When his older brother wasn’t working after school or studying, Russ spent all his free time with Andy, learning how to swim, fish, and have good study habits, as Andy was Valedictorian of his high school class. Russ did worry that he would be expected to be the great student Andy was, and was nervous to have their teachers compare them. Russ would laughingly recall that he lucked out when the family moved to Glendale, California in January of 1951. His parents purchased their home on Pacific Avenue in 1953 and his home life was a happy one. Younger brother Dave brought Russ much fun and laughter with his stories and the creatures that he brought home. Russell was always a good sport when it came to such things. There were horned toads, snakes, and even a desert tortoise named Sherman who hibernated in the boys’ shared closet. Russell attended Hoover High School and played on the “B” football team. After graduation, he joined the Army, in the 11th Airborne Division as a paratrooper. Nicknamed “the Angels,” their basic training was at Fort Ord, CA, followed by Fort Benning, GA for jump school. After completing this training, Russ was sent to Augsburg, Germany where he spent the rest of his service. During his time off, he traveled throughout Europe and in 1958 was honorably discharged from the Army. In 1967, he married the love of his life, Norma Ryder. Her sons Julian and Bill completed their family. During Russ’s time in the military, men were routinely given aptitude tests. Russ said he knew what he wanted to do and that was to study Geology. He was informed that he had scored very high in numbers and should pursue a career using that gift. Russ was surprised, but enrolled at USC and graduated from their School of Business with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1972. He was also initiated, in 1971, into the Iota Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the National Accounting Fraternity. After graduating, Russell began working in the California State Controller’s Office as an auditor. Russ loved his job. He was meticulous about his work and consistently went above and beyond to help the people he audited to keep proper records. Later on, in his personal life, doctors were astounded by Russ’s record keeping of Norma’s many medicines. In 1995, Russ developed a computer-based auditing program and was awarded for his superior accomplishment by the State Controller’s Office. His program is still in use today! Russell retired in 1998 and enjoyed being able to spend more time with his family. Although they always kept in touch during his busy working years and her busy years raising 3 daughters, Russ and his sister Eileen had a special bond and enjoyed seeing each other much more often after he retired.

He enjoyed traveling with Norma, especially to England to visit her family. A train trip across the United States was another highlight. Russ also enjoyed fly-fishing and watching USC Football in his spare time. Garfield was his favorite cartoon character; he loved cats and would feed any strays that came around his patio. In later years, after Norma’s passing, Russ began going to the local senior center a few times a week for lunch. It was there that he met Yvonne Barry and the two began a friendship. They traveled to England and Wales, where Yvonne was born and had family, and remained close over the past 8 years until his passing. Russ will forever be remembered for his kindness, honesty, and integrity. Russell is survived by his sister Eileen (late George) Ohanian; brother David (Rose) Stecyk; sons Julian (Joanna) Ryder and Bill (Eden) Ryder; cousins Sharon (Paul) Christenson, Will (Ingrid) Schulze, and Carol Quane; nieces Heather (Scott) Whitbeck, Tamara (Josh) Harker, Jennifer (Brian) Fink, and Polly Stecyk; and many grand-nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 9 at 10am at Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Newhall, CA. Donations in his memory may be made to the Salvation Army at salvationarmyusa.org or The Gentle Barn at www.gentlebarn.org