Stephen J. Kowalewski, beloved husband, father, devoted "Poppy," and lifelong mentor, of Blue Mountain Drive, New Ringgold, passed away suddenly on June 5, 2026, at the age of 80 at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Lehighton.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Joseph and Stephanie (Kulesza) Kowalewski. In addition to his parents, Stephen was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Paciello, and his brothers, Joseph and Ted Kowalewski.

Stephen is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Frances “Fran” A. (Dureka) Kowalewski; his daughters, Francine Menko and her husband David, and Carolyn Kowalewski and her fiancé Scott Petery; his sons, Stephen J. Kowalewski Jr. and his wife Charlotte, John M. Kowalewski and his wife Michelle, and Joseph J. Kowalewski and his wife Angela; as well as 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

After graduating from Roxborough High School, Stephen earned an associate degree from Lehigh County Community College and spent many years working as a corporate computer analyst. Faith and community were central to his life. He and Frances warmly welcomed countless people as greeters at The Bridge Church of Hamburg, where they faithfully served and built lasting friendships.

Stephen was a devoted Christian who placed his faith and trust in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. While he experienced the transforming power of God's grace in his life, he would often humbly remind others that “Christ is still working on me.” His genuine faith was reflected not only in his words, but in the way he treated others; with humility, kindness, patience, and a willingness to serve. His greatest desire was that his family would know and follow the same Savior whom he loved and trusted throughout his life.

An avid outdoorsman, Stephen found great joy in both freshwater and deep-sea fishing. He was a gifted home repairman, skilled in virtually every aspect of maintaining, building, and improving a home. His talent lives on through the countless projects that fill the homes of his children and family. More importantly, he served as a guide, teacher, and mentor, patiently walking alongside his children and grandchildren as they tackled projects of their own. With patience and encouragement, he shared not only his knowledge and skills but also the confidence to tackle challenges and see them through. The can-do attitude, practical wisdom, and self-reliance he instilled continues to live on in his children, grandchildren, and all those fortunate enough to learn from him. Stephen also generously gave back to his community by serving as a 4-H leader, a foster parent, and delivering Meals on Wheels, all while caring for the many animals on his homestead. Whether helping a neighbor, teaching a grandchild, or lending a hand to a friend, he lived a life marked by service, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 2066 West Penn Pike, New Ringgold, Pennsylvania, 17960.

A Celebration of Stephen’s Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at The Bridge Church, 3561 Old U.S. Route 22, Hamburg, Pennsylvania 19526. Following the service, family and friends are invited to continue celebrating Stephen’s life through fellowship and a shared meal beginning at approximately 3:00 p.m. at the New Ringgold Fire Company, 25 N. Railroad Street, New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Stephen's memory to The Bridge Church.

 Stephen's greatest legacy is not found in the many things he built with his hands, but in the faith, character, work ethic, and love he built into his family. His influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. Though deeply missed, his family finds comfort in the promise of Christ and we look forward to the day of that great reunion in Heaven when our Lord and Savior calls His children home.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23