Born in Hardwick on September 3, 1925, Steve was the son of the late John and Felitia (Tarka) Nowak and lived most of his life in Jefferson.
Steve graduated from Holden High School at the height of World War II. As many of the greatest generation did, he was compelled to serve his country and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. After receiving additional training he was assigned and graduated from both Advanced Infantry Training Regiment in North Carolina and Sea School in Portsmouth, NH. Steve was assigned to the South Pacific Theater of Operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin, also known as “Big Ben,” from April of 1944 to March of 1945. Steve received our nation’s second highest award, “The Navy Cross,” for his extraordinary heroism on March 19, 1945 when the Franklin was attacked by Japanese kamikazes. Steve was also the recipient of the American Campaign Ribbon with Bronze Star, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, World War II Victory Ribbon and the Philippine Liberation Medal with Bronze Star.
After returning home from the war, Steve married the love of his life, Shirley G. Smith of Worcester, on December 6, 1944 at St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson. They remained in Jefferson where they raised their two sons and shared 64 years of marriage together until Shirley’s passing in 2008. Steve stayed at home until recently becoming a resident at Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center where he received outstanding and compassionate care.
His working career included 35 years as both a postal carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and a part-time patrolman with the Holden Police Department where he was the School Liaison Officer representing the Wachusett area. He also worked as an assistant with his dear friends, Adin and Dot Miles, at Miles Funeral Home in Holden. He was an active member of the Legion of Valor, Tun Tavern Society of Central Mass., Polish American Veteran’s in Worcester, Disabled American Veterans, Post #4, and was one of the founders and Commander of the Veteran and Foreign Wars, Holden Chapter.
In his spare time, Steve volunteered his time in his boy’s activities including coaching Pee Wee Hockey League for five years leading them to a State Level Championship, and was treasurer of the Wachusett Skating Association for ten consecutive years. Steve was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be remembered for his robust sense of humor.
Steve will be affectionately missed and remembered by his son, Garry Nowak and his wife, Patrice of Rutland; a sister, Irene Morin of West Boylston; a granddaughter, Jill Whitlock of Cranston, RI; and nephews and nieces. Besides his wife Shirley, Steve is predeceased by a son, Donald P. Nowak and a brother, Charles Nowak.
Relatives and friends are invited at visit with Steve’s family from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, February 10, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Steve will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Shirley at a private graveside service at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Holden.
Steve graduated from Holden High School at the height of World War II. As many of the greatest generation did, he was compelled to serve his country and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. After receiving additional training he was assigned and graduated from both Advanced Infantry Training Regiment in North Carolina and Sea School in Portsmouth, NH. Steve was assigned to the South Pacific Theater of Operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin, also known as “Big Ben,” from April of 1944 to March of 1945. Steve received our nation’s second highest award, “The Navy Cross,” for his extraordinary heroism on March 19, 1945 when the Franklin was attacked by Japanese kamikazes. Steve was also the recipient of the American Campaign Ribbon with Bronze Star, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, World War II Victory Ribbon and the Philippine Liberation Medal with Bronze Star.
After returning home from the war, Steve married the love of his life, Shirley G. Smith of Worcester, on December 6, 1944 at St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson. They remained in Jefferson where they raised their two sons and shared 64 years of marriage together until Shirley’s passing in 2008. Steve stayed at home until recently becoming a resident at Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center where he received outstanding and compassionate care.
His working career included 35 years as both a postal carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and a part-time patrolman with the Holden Police Department where he was the School Liaison Officer representing the Wachusett area. He also worked as an assistant with his dear friends, Adin and Dot Miles, at Miles Funeral Home in Holden. He was an active member of the Legion of Valor, Tun Tavern Society of Central Mass., Polish American Veteran’s in Worcester, Disabled American Veterans, Post #4, and was one of the founders and Commander of the Veteran and Foreign Wars, Holden Chapter.
In his spare time, Steve volunteered his time in his boy’s activities including coaching Pee Wee Hockey League for five years leading them to a State Level Championship, and was treasurer of the Wachusett Skating Association for ten consecutive years. Steve was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be remembered for his robust sense of humor.
Steve will be affectionately missed and remembered by his son, Garry Nowak and his wife, Patrice of Rutland; a sister, Irene Morin of West Boylston; a granddaughter, Jill Whitlock of Cranston, RI; and nephews and nieces. Besides his wife Shirley, Steve is predeceased by a son, Donald P. Nowak and a brother, Charles Nowak.
Relatives and friends are invited at visit with Steve’s family from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, February 10, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Steve will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Shirley at a private graveside service at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Holden.
Born in Hardwick on September 3, 1925, Steve was the son of the late John and Felitia (Tarka) Nowak and lived most of his life in Jefferson.
Steve graduated from Holden High School at the height of World War II. As many of the greatest generation did, he was compelled to serve his country and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. After receiving additional training he was assigned and graduated from both Advanced Infantry Training Regiment in North Carolina and Sea School in Portsmouth, NH. Steve was assigned to the South Pacific Theater of Operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin, also known as “Big Ben,” from April of 1944 to March of 1945. Steve received our nation’s second highest award, “The Navy Cross,” for his extraordinary heroism on March 19, 1945 when the Franklin was attacked by Japanese kamikazes. Steve was also the recipient of the American Campaign Ribbon with Bronze Star, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, World War II Victory Ribbon and the Philippine Liberation Medal with Bronze Star.
After returning home from the war, Steve married the love of his life, Shirley G. Smith of Worcester, on December 6, 1944 at St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson. They remained in Jefferson where they raised their two sons and shared 64 years of marriage together until Shirley’s passing in 2008. Steve stayed at home until recently becoming a resident at Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center where he received outstanding and compassionate care.
His working career included 35 years as both a postal carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and a part-time patrolman with the Holden Police Department where he was the School Liaison Officer representing the Wachusett area. He also worked as an assistant with his dear friends, Adin and Dot Miles, at Miles Funeral Home in Holden. He was an active member of the Legion of Valor, Tun Tavern Society of Central Mass., Polish American Veteran’s in Worcester, Disabled American Veterans, Post #4, and was one of the founders and Commander of the Veteran and Foreign Wars, Holden Chapter.
In his spare time, Steve volunteered his time in his boy’s activities including coaching Pee Wee Hockey League for five years leading them to a State Level Championship, and was treasurer of the Wachusett Skating Association for ten consecutive years. Steve was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be remembered for his robust sense of humor.
Steve will be affectionately missed and remembered by his son, Garry Nowak and his wife, Patrice of Rutland; a sister, Irene Morin of West Boylston; a granddaughter, Jill Whitlock of Cranston, RI; and nephews and nieces. Besides his wife Shirley, Steve is predeceased by a son, Donald P. Nowak and a brother, Charles Nowak.
Relatives and friends are invited at visit with Steve’s family from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, February 10, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Steve will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Shirley at a private graveside service at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Holden.
Steve graduated from Holden High School at the height of World War II. As many of the greatest generation did, he was compelled to serve his country and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. After receiving additional training he was assigned and graduated from both Advanced Infantry Training Regiment in North Carolina and Sea School in Portsmouth, NH. Steve was assigned to the South Pacific Theater of Operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin, also known as “Big Ben,” from April of 1944 to March of 1945. Steve received our nation’s second highest award, “The Navy Cross,” for his extraordinary heroism on March 19, 1945 when the Franklin was attacked by Japanese kamikazes. Steve was also the recipient of the American Campaign Ribbon with Bronze Star, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, World War II Victory Ribbon and the Philippine Liberation Medal with Bronze Star.
After returning home from the war, Steve married the love of his life, Shirley G. Smith of Worcester, on December 6, 1944 at St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson. They remained in Jefferson where they raised their two sons and shared 64 years of marriage together until Shirley’s passing in 2008. Steve stayed at home until recently becoming a resident at Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center where he received outstanding and compassionate care.
His working career included 35 years as both a postal carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and a part-time patrolman with the Holden Police Department where he was the School Liaison Officer representing the Wachusett area. He also worked as an assistant with his dear friends, Adin and Dot Miles, at Miles Funeral Home in Holden. He was an active member of the Legion of Valor, Tun Tavern Society of Central Mass., Polish American Veteran’s in Worcester, Disabled American Veterans, Post #4, and was one of the founders and Commander of the Veteran and Foreign Wars, Holden Chapter.
In his spare time, Steve volunteered his time in his boy’s activities including coaching Pee Wee Hockey League for five years leading them to a State Level Championship, and was treasurer of the Wachusett Skating Association for ten consecutive years. Steve was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be remembered for his robust sense of humor.
Steve will be affectionately missed and remembered by his son, Garry Nowak and his wife, Patrice of Rutland; a sister, Irene Morin of West Boylston; a granddaughter, Jill Whitlock of Cranston, RI; and nephews and nieces. Besides his wife Shirley, Steve is predeceased by a son, Donald P. Nowak and a brother, Charles Nowak.
Relatives and friends are invited at visit with Steve’s family from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, February 10, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Steve will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Shirley at a private graveside service at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Holden.
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