Today our hearts are full of the goodness of God as we celebrate the life of a man so many people knew and loved.

A few months shy of 92 years ago, Stanley John Koczaja was born at home at 525 Third Avenue in Carnegie. But there was no celebration that day because his mother’s father was killed in a tragic accident at Superior Steel Mill not far from their home. That day, his birth was overshadowed by grief and sadness. But this did not diminish the happiness he would enjoy in the years ahead.

As a young boy, he was precocious, often hiding his dad’s Pekingese dog in the oven, refusing to attend school, and sneaking his first beer at 12 years old when his mother sent him to the corner beer garden to bring his father home. What he loved most as a boy was summers as a bat boy for the neighborhood ball team. He was proud to be part of the team.

Stush was funny, sometimes silly, but always obedient to his parents, his sister Ann and Aunt Ann Urbanek, and respectful of authority. He was a reliable employee, first as a pin boy at the Hussar’s Club, then for 27 years he was the best dishwasher at Steinmetz Bakery, and finally 11 years as a bagger at Shop n’ Save.

He retired to help care for his sister, which didn’t allow for much of a social life because she worried when he wasn’t at home. But he was never bored . . . he loved watching comedy shows and sports, playing his polkas and endless hours playing solitaire. He also looked forward to Sundays when his lifelong buddy, Doll Masella, would pick him up for church and after mass they would have breakfast at McDonalds.

Everyone knew Stush, if not by name, but as the little guy who walked through Carnegie every day, rain, snow or shine. His favorite stop was Barb’s diner. He would often be offered a ride home to which he responded, “no thanks, I need the exercise”.

After his sister passed, he remained with his niece and nephew and lived his whole life with his family. Stush became a volunteer at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton food bank where he made many friends. This led to his being asked to become a member of the Knights of Columbus of which he was most proud. He was honored to be a Knight and truly loved his brother Knights.

Seven years ago, when it became apparent that Stush needed constant care, through divine intervention, he became a resident of McMurray Hills Manor. From the day he arrived we knew it was the perfect place for him. The nurses and staff loved him immediately and he thought of them as family. He enjoyed many daily activities, especially bingo and his trips to the casino.

So, Stush truly had a full and happy life! Thank you to everyone who helped make that possible.

By the way he lived, he honored Jesus every day and was blessed with peace the last days of his life. He was a blessing to all of us and will truly be missed.

Everyone should be so lucky to have an Uncle Stush. May he rest in eternal peace.