Stephen Symczak

Mr. Stephen Symczak 62, left behind the broken hearts of those he loved so dearly when he unexpectedly entered the arms of the Lord on Sunday, April 7, 2024.

We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to the posted visitation times, so as not to intrude on the family’s private time. 

Family and friends are invited to the visitation in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Sunday, April 14th. from 1:00-5:00PM.  On Monday, April 15th. at 9:45AM, everyone is asked to gather directly at Church of the Assumption in Roselle Park, where a funeral mass will be offered at 10:00AM.  The prayers of committal will precede Stephen’s entombment in the family crypt in St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia, New Jersey.

Stephen, the son of the late Carmelinda DiMartino Symczak and the late John Symczak, was born in Newark, New Jersey.  He grew up in Roselle and he then lived in Rahway from 1989 until 2002 when Stephen settled with his family in Howell.

He was a 1985 graduate of Kean University in Elizabeth and Stephen earned his bachelor’s degree in management science.  His long work career started as a precious metals specialist for Engelhard Industries in Carteret and over the course of many years, Stephen worked for various companies, including Pyromet Silver Refinery, based in Aston, Pennysylvania.  Currently Stephen was a senior account manager temperature sensing for BASF Corporation in Fremont, California.  Professionally, Stephen was a board member of the International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI).

As his three sons were growing up Stephen was endlessly coaching them in all their sports specialties – baseball, soccer, and basketball.  As if that wasn’t enough, Stephen gave up his free time to also umpire in countless baseball games played by kids of all ages.  Golfing was also in his repertoire of activities, enjoying both the peace of being on the greens, as well as the excitement of seeing how well and how far he could hit that little white ball.  His chill-relaxation came from aimlessly floating around in the pool but the greatest joy in Stephen’s life came from simply spending time with his family.  He loved his wife, Lisa so much and together they were extremely proud of the men their three sons had become.  Stephen’s cup indeed runneth over when he became a grandfather!  Those two little ones could melt his heart and put a smile on his face a mile wide.  Stephen was truly a “family” man, who would rather make memories with his family than do anything else in the world.  There are not enough words in the universe to describe how lost Lisa and her family are now.

In addition to his parents, Stephen was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Doris Coppa in 2022.

Stephen is survived by his wife of thirty-four years, Lisa A. Coppa Symczak; his three sons, Stephen J. Symczak and his wife, Katie, Kevin M. Symczak and his wife, Santana and Tyler J. Symczak and his fiancée, Cassie; his five siblings, MaryAnn Corcoran and her husband, James, John Symczak, Bob Symczak and his wife, Sandi, Diane McGinley and her husband, Joseph and Michael Symczak and his wife Melissa; his two grandchildren, Leo Symczak and Emma Symczak; his father-in-law, Carmine Coppa,; his brother-in-law, George Coppa and his wife, Anne; his sister-in-law, Phyllis Dooley; his fur grand dog, Hope and all of his nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, co-workers and wonderful friends.

Stephen was the shining light of his family.  Their hearts are shattered, and tears fill their eyes with a devastating emptiness. Please help Lisa and her family weather this loss with all the love and support you can give to each and every one of them.  Stephen will be deeply missed, but his memory and his story will live on, and Stephen will never be forgotten.  

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