Steven Czarnecki

Clyde, Steven Edward Czarnecki, age 93, of Forest Drive, passed away on Monday, April 30, 2012 at his residence. A native of Lyndhurst, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Joseph and Helena Bittner Czarnecki. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers. Following graduation from high school, Steve entered the United States Army, at the brink of World War II. He was a machine gunner and served in the 8th Wave of the Invasion of Normandy Beach. He received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart with two gold stars for three separate wounds sustained in action. Steven met his wife, Lucille, also a veteran of the U.S. Army, while convalescing from his injuries. Following their marriage, they returned to Haywood County. He retired with 33 years of service from Champion International and was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Steve was an avid runner and gardener. Steve loved his wife, his family, and his home in Haywood County amongst his trees He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lucille Wood Czarnecki; three daughters, Susan Cogdill and her husband, Charles, of Waynesville; Mary Bryan and her husband, Gary, of Milton, Florida, and Margaret Williams of Clyde; three sons, Steve Czarnecki and his wife, Sandra, of Midland City, Alabama, Anthony "Tony" Czarnecki and his companion, Eileen Lakin, of Pleasanton, California and Lee Czarnecki of Clyde; three grandchildren, Chad and Josh Czarnecki, and Eric Czarnecki and his wife, Jane; and one great-grandson, Austin Czarnecki. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Father Larry LoMonaco officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery with military graveside honors. The family will receive friends from Noon until 1:30 p.m. prior to the services at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville. The family would like to acknowledge special thanks to Steve's caregivers, Lillian Barker, George Ann Smathers, Leigh Anna Whitener, Renea Earley, Judy Bryant, Amber Haverson, and Michelle Burnett. Memorials may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 234 Church Street, Waynesville, NC 28786.

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