Stephen John Hardeski

Stephen John Hardeski, much loved husband, father, PopPop, brother, uncle and friend was born on August 28, 1942, to Stephen and Anna L. Hardeski and passed from this life on August 21, 2023.  Steve, as he was quick to tell everyone was his name, is survived by his wife, Deborah Straup-Hardeski; his former wife and friend, Helen Spitz Hardeski; his children and their spouses, Stephen and Grace Hardeski; Lori and Brian Schnitzer, David and Angela Hardeski, Josh Bendle, Noah Bendle and Hannah Bendle; seven grandchildren Willem Hardeski, Michael Mackereth, Elisa Hardeski, Emma Schnitzer, Chance Hardeski, Hope Hardeski and Everlee Hardeski; his little sister, Anna Hardeski Gerlacki and countless friends and additional family members.

Steve grew up in South Philadelphia where he graduated from South Philadelphia High School, learned to love model trains, marched with the Mummers and enjoyed many New Year’s Days on 2 Street.  Much as he enjoyed his time in South Philly, hanging with his family and friends in New Jersey during the summer months at SimPlace and in Waretown fishing, clamming, swimming, and boating in Barnegat Bay were his passion.    

Duty called though and following graduation Steve enlisted in the US Marine Corps, training at Paris Island, South Carolina and then serving in the Reserves.  There was nothing he was prouder of accomplishing than becoming a Marine and he was always sharing stories with everyone about his days in the Corps.  Another area of service for Steve was when he joined the Fraternal Order of Free and Accepted Masons.   Steve was a Mason for many years and supported many worthwhile events.

Such was his passion that he and Deb returned to the Jersey Shore and lived for many years in Forked River on Barnegat Bay in sight of his beloved Old Barney lighthouse.  Steve and the family had many opportunities to swim, fish, boat and enjoy life together at their Forked River home.  Steve also spent his time volunteering with “Reclam the Bay” where he spent many hours helping replenish the Bay with new sea life and teaching the grandchildren about the Bay and the life within the Bay.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in Steve’s honor on Sunday, September 17 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Queen City Marina, 525 Second Street, Beach Haven, NJ  08008. Friends and family are invited to share in a brief service at 2:30 followed by a buffet at 2:45 and an opportunity to share your best Steve fish and/or boating stories. Please dress as Steve preferred in clothing appropriate for a marina, fishing and boating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Steve’s memory to

Reclam the Bay,                                              

1623 Whitesville Rd                                                        

Toms River, NJ 08755                                                     

Website: https://reclamthebay.org/donate/

Dementia Society of America

PO Box 600

Doylestown, PA 1890

https://dementiasociety.charityproud.org/donate