Obituary of Robert Zygmund Stepien

Robert Zygmund Stepien, of Lewiston, formerly of Houston, Texas, died unexpectedly at home on Saturday morning, September 10, 2016.He was 51. He was born at the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center on October 23, 1964, the son of Robert E. and Christine M. (Tylock)Stepien. Robert was a conscientious student at Lewiston Porter Central School District, graduating in 1982. While in high school, he worked summers on the Dan Tower family farm in Youngstown. He pursued higher education by studying at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, where in 1986 he was awarded his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. Robert enjoyed a rewarding and fulfilling 30 year career in private industry beginning by working summers during college as a Quality Control Analyst in the Niagara Falls plant of E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc. After graduation he held positions at various companies, including General Mills, Inc., O-Cel-O Sponge Division in Tonawanda, National Gypsum Company, Busch Inc., of Virginia Beach, V A., and most recently at S&B Engineers and Constructors, LTD, Houston, Texas. From an early age,Robert enjoyed boating and sailing on the Niagara River. He participated in the Youngstown Yacht Club Jr. Sailing Program. He loved to kayak and fish and was an attentive Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan wherever he worked. Robert had a kind soul and generous heart. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Robert was the grandson of the late Joseph and Caroline Stepien,Zygmund "Ziggy" and Charlotte Tylock, all formerly of Youngstown. He was also predeceased by infant siblings, Robin and Christopher.In addition to his parents, Robert is survived by his two brothers, Scott A. Stepien, Esq. of Lewiston and Lieutenant Colonel James M. Stepien, US Army, sister-in-law Christie (Rau), nephew Gage Matthew, niece Chloe June all of Huntsville, Alabama, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston on Friday, September 16, from 3 to 8 pm. Funeral services and interment at Oakland Rural Cemetery in Youngstown will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Upper Mt. Volunteer Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, 839 Moyer Rd., Lewiston, NY 14092.