Stephen J Skarupa Jr.

Stephen John Skarupa, Jr., 94, of McDonald passed away peacefully on Saturday evening April 25, 2026 in his home.

He was born on October 16, 1931 in the Boggs section of Imperial a son of the late Stephen J. and Cecelia Ruth Maga Skarupa.

He was a graduate of Findlay High School, Imperial, PA and attended Lycoming College where he was a member of the football team and Geneva College.

A Veteran of the United States Army he was drafted and served during the Korean War from 1952 until being honorably discharged in 1954 a recipient of the United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal.

Mr. Skarupa retired from Prudential Insurance Company where he was an agent for over thirty years. He won numerous sales awards over the years and gained lasting friendships with his clients and colleagues.

His beloved wife of 72 years, Loraine Hallam Skarupa, whom he married on April 14, 1952, passed away on July 25, 2024.

Steve lived a life of curiosity and craftsmanship—traveling the country in his RV with family and friends, honoring Native American culture through his self‑taught artistry in flint‑knapping and exquisite beadwork, tending his vegetable and flower gardens, restoring antique vehicles, crafting homemade food and drink including sauerkraut, black raspberry jelly and wine. He enjoyed embracing the outdoors through fishing, trapping, hunting, scuba diving and other countless adventures—sharing these many gifts with his family while cherishing every grandchild's graduation, sporting event and every holiday that brought his loved ones together.

He lived life to the fullest and never lost his appreciation for the small, quiet gifts of the world—like a beautiful sunset—carrying with him a deep gratitude shaped by his humble beginnings.

He is survived by his daughters Paula (Greg) Linenfelser of Eighty Four, Ellen (Rick Ghilani) Fehl of Monongahela and Karen (Russ) Dysert of Bulger; grandchildren Lauren, Alan and Devin Joseph, Jill McDaniel, Dawn Hay, Hayley Parks, Morgan and Zachary Dysert, Steve Skarupa IV and Dorothy Grimes; and 11 great grandchildren.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to his special “buddy,” Hailey, whose kindness and devotion brought him comfort and companionship over the past several months. The family also wants to thank AHN Hospice for their compassionate care during his final weeks.

Deceased in addition to his parents and wife are two sons Stephen J. Skarupa III and Jeffrey R. Skarupa; a son-in-law Tim Fehl; his sister Velma (Steve) Slota and a brother Bill Skarupa (surviving wife Mary).

Family and friends will be received from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday April 29, 2026 in the Graff-Nation Funeral and Cremation Services LLC, 220 East Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, PA 15057 where services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday April 30, 2026 with the Rev. Patrick Keeley officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Robinson Run Cemetery, McDonald.

Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Skarupa’s memory to the Venice Presbyterian Church, 3694 Millers Run Rd., McDonald, PA 15057.