Obituary of Stephen Francis Vetukevic

Stephen Francis Vetukevic, age 81 of Pine City, NY died peacefully in the care of his loving family on 12/25/2024 at Guthrie Corning Hospital. Stephen fought a long courageous battle with lung cancer and COPD. He is survived by Patricia Vetukevic (Stevens) his loving wife of 65 years, his devoted children, Michael Vetukevic and Christine Vetukevic, his sister, Marilyn Vetukevic, his brother-in-law Christopher Palmer and his cousin, JoAnn Sabatura of Sayre, PA.

Stephen was predeceased by his parents Raymond and Anna Vetukevic, his Aunt Bernice Allen, his sister-in-law Sherrill Stevens (Palmer), his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Jean Stevens, his aunt Cathleen Sullivan and many other loving relatives.

Born November 11, 1943, in Elmira, NY, Stephen attended Elmira Free Academy, Class of 1961.  Stephen was the Team Manager for EFA’s Baseball Team which included Ernie Davis.  He went into the Navy from high school and was stationed at Quonset Point, RI.  Stephen then began a career working numerous positions at the United States Postal Service, including Transportation Supervisor. He worked with so many amazing men and women, many of whom would become lifelong friends.  Stephen would ultimately retire from the USPS after 37 years. 

Stephen was an avid softball fan and coach to his daughter throughout her softball career.  He would live and breathe softball during the summer, including coaching teams with Mike Spaziani and Mike Rhinehart.  His love for the game continued in more recent years, with his daughter’s recreational softball leagues. 

Stephen and his wife Patricia would also trek far and wide for their son Michael’s motorcycle riding competitions.  Stephen and Michael spent many hours working on remodeling projects together.  Over the years, Stephen taught Michael all he knew about carpentry.  Stephen also had a love for hunting.  He and his son Michael would often hunt “anywhere they could find land", but especially loved hunting with his brother-in-law Robert “Bobby” Stevens on his land on Monkey Run Rd. 

Stephen would take great pride in his love for carpentry. His home remodeling projects are too numerous to mention, but his greatest accomplishment was building a large two-story addition on his family’s home.  Stephen’s family was so proud of this amazing achievement!

Stephen had many close friends throughout his lifetime, including his good friend, Donald Zimmerman. Stephen and Don spent many hours on the back patio “solving world problems and telling no one”.  Another dear friend was Bernard Rosplock.  Stephen and Bernie could call each other and pick up their previous conversation without skipping a beat.

A special thank you goes out to Fr. Don Curtis from Mount Savior Monastery who has provided Stephen and his wife Patricia with communion for the last 3 years.  Stephen enjoyed his visits and listening to his many stories. Thank you also goes out to the Nursing Staff at Corning Hospital who kept Stephen and his family comfortable during his final hours.  (especially Sarah and Cody) A final thank you goes out to his medical staff, Christopher Wawrzusin, Dr. Raj and a special thank you to Dr. Michael Lavin (the 5^th Vetukevic) and his Physical Therapist Monika Sayers. 

It was Stephen’s wish that there be no calling hours.  Words of Condolence and Memories may be shared at https://mcinernyfh.com/12/Home.html . In lieu of flowers please remember Stephen through memorials to The American Cancer Society, 1120 Goodman Street S, Rochester NY 14620 or Mount Savior Monastery, 231 Monastery Road, Pine City NY 14871.