Stefan Marian Rostek

Stefan Marian Rostek was born on August 28, 1931, in Suwalki Poland. He died at his daughter's home on November 17, 2024, in Parkton, Maryland surrounded by his family and friends.

Stefan grew up in Poland with his parents Leokadia (Kruk) Rostek and Waclaw Rostek and nine siblings, Apolonia, Irena, Franciszek, Antoni, Barbara, Ryszard, Waclawa, Jadwiga, Genowefa. It was a very Catholic family. When he was only 8 years old, his childhood was disrupted by World War II. His mother was imprisoned by Germans. Stefan witnessed many atrocities of the war which he remembered until his passing. In his youth, he resisted the pressures from the communistic regime and refused to join the communistic party. He always stood up for what he believed to be right and just. He promoted truth, hard work, and discipline.

Stefan married Krystyna Slowikowska on April 19, 1954. They had been married for 70 years. Stefan was a devoted caregiver to his wife for the last four years who suffered a stroke and is bed bound. He was a righteous man and patriarch of his family. He emulated what it meant to be a doting father and loving husband.

Stefan worked in Poland as a steam-engine train driver for several years. In 1991, Stefan and Krystyna moved to the United States to be closer to their daughters. Stefan gained employment as a polisher at Linderking Metal Products. Anywhere he worked, he gained recognition as being smart, hardworking, loyal, honest. He truly lived with integrity.

In his retirement, he enjoyed thrifting and finding a good deal, feeding fish or stray dogs. He enjoyed his time with family, his grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He taught them how to ride bikes, swim, fix things. Most importantly, he taught them prayers to the Blessed Mother that had been handed down through the generations. He enjoyed singing, dancing, and playing the harmonica. He loved nature and the presence of people. He was quite funny and entertaining.

Stefan is survived by his wife Krystyna Rostek. Daughters Eve Rostek and her ex husband Richard Rostek and Iwona Rostek-Zarska and her husband Walenty Zarski. His grandchildren Andrew Rostek and his wife Heather Rao, Pamella Rostek-Kuwazaki and her husband Harold Kuwazaki Jr., Anita Zarska and her husband Adrian Dawson, Gregory Zarski and his wife Lilja Magnusdottir. His great grandchildren Alexis Rostek, Monika Rostek-Kuwazaki, Andrew Rostek Jr., Aiden Rostek, Austen Rostek, Magnus Zarski, and Anita Zarski. His sisters Waclawa Stefaniak, Jadwiga Nowicka, and Genowefa Rudas.

Visiting hours at Kaczorowski Funeral Home, 1201 Dundalk Avenue, on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 4 until 8 P.M. Christian Wake Service on Monday at 6 P.M.  Funeral Mass in Holy Rosary Church on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 11 A.M. Interment in Holy Rosary Cemetery.