Stephen Louis Kirtyan passed away peacefully with his children by his side on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Steve was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a beloved Bacsi to all of his nephews and nieces. He is pre-deceased by his wife of 72 years, Patricia, and survived by his two children Rosanne (Peter) Wattaul and Steve (Kyra), and four grandchildren Jackie, Ryan (Cassie), Stephen and Megan.

The son of Hungarian immigrants Stephen and Susanna Kirtyan, Steve grew up in New York City. At the age of nineteen, Steve was drafted into the Army at the height of WWII and served as Private 1st Class in the 45th Infantry Division. After boot camp, he was deployed to the European Theatre where he fought in the battle of Anzio and the liberation of Rome before being sent to the south of France, where he was captured. He was moved behind enemy lines to several stalags before ultimately being held at Stalag VIIA in Moosburg, Germany. He was liberated upon the end of the war and reunited with his loving family back in New York. He later received many awards and recognitions for his service including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

After leaving service, Steve worked as a machinist for over five decades while continuing his commitment to service through VFW Post #1073 and the extended Malverne community, where he and his wife, Patricia, settled to raise their family. Steve cherished neighbors, maintained friendships new and old, helped people no matter their circumstance or age, and was a “regular” at the bagel shop in Malverne – socializing with his “guys.” After retirement, he reconnected with other military members at the Northport VA – which led to many years of involvement with former-POW support groups, activities and events. Through these interactions, not only did Steve find healing for himself, but it availed him to impact the lives of many others with his gifts of patience, genuine kindness, listening and sharing of his experiences – whether it be former-POWs from other conflicts, veterans, or children at the various schools he visited on Veterans Day. His kindness also extended into nature – where he found much joy in observing and interacting with animals of all kinds – being known as the “whisperer of all animals,” dogs, cats, squirrels, birds, mice, alike.

Steve will forever be remembered by anyone whose path he crossed. For those who love him, he leaves an indelible imprint on their lives and is dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Steve’s memory to Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University

https://alumniandfriends.stonybrook.edu/site/Donation2?df_id=1560&1560.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T

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