Stephen R. Wash Sr. 1934-2021

Sonny was born April 10, 1934, in Campbell, the son of Steve and Elizabeth Kozar Wash. He graduated from Campbell Memorial in 1952 and was a lifelong area resident.

He entered the Navy in 1955 and was discharged Jan. 1, 1959. While serving on the USS Northampton, he crossed the Arctic Circle and also took part in a proud Naval tradition, becoming a Trusty Shellback, entering into the Kingdom of Neptunus Rex.

Sonny worked as a hydrostatic press operator at Metal Carbides Corp. for 34 years. He retired in 1986.

He had a tremendously strong love for family and always had a great love and admiration for the outdoors and nature. Sonny enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially bowhunting and target archery. In his later years, he developed a passion and an exceptional talent for building balsa wood model airplanes. Sonny also enjoyed collecting knives, and when his mobility declined, he was able to spend hours enjoying these favorite hobbies.

Sonny had a terrific memory and enjoyed sharing those memories of childhood friends, naval friendships and all life experiences that he had. He would often say “sit down and let’s talk” or “pull up a chair.”

Sonny fought a very serious health setback in 2008, but with a fierce sense of determination and will, coupled with the wisdom and professionalism of Dr. Detesco, Dr. Patel and Dr. Sarac, but most importantly the unconditional love, daily support, care and prayer provided by his wife Marilyn, they enjoyed watching their family grow and gather for many years to follow.

He was a parishioner of St. Matthias Church and the former St. Elizabeth Church in Campbell.

Sonny was a 26-year member of the Lowellville Rod and Gun Club.

Sonny is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Marilyn Senerchia Wash, whom he met on a blind date on New Year’s Eve in 1958 and they were married Oct. 17, 1959; his three children, Juile (Marty) Oravec of Boardman, Stephen Jr. (Karen) Wash of Poland and Pamela (Anthony) Frank of Huron; grandchildren, Martin (Caitlin) Oravec Jr., Amanda (Matt) Oravec, Jessica (Richard) Archer , Rob (Michelle) Venrose , Michael (Jennifer) Venrose, Anthony (Rachel) Frank , Austin (Brandy) Frank and Dominic (Katie) Frank; his great-grandchildren, Julia, Joey, Bella, Tessa, Harper, Michael, Anthony, Lola, Jude, Charley, Ellie and Ava; and a great-grandson expected in March 2022.

Sonny is also survived by his brother, James (Lori) Wash and children, Christina (Bobby) Jenna (Devin) and Joss; as well as great-nieces and -nephews, Milana, Gio and Braxton; brothers-in-law, Austin Senerchia Jr., David Senerchia and Chuck Kroner; nephews, Chuck (Rose) Kroner and Steve (Bernice) Kroner; as well as many cousins.

Stephen R. Wash Sr. was preceded in death by parents, Steve and Elizabeth Kozar Wash; his sister, Betty Ann Kroner; father-in-law Austin (Babe) Senerchia; and mother-in-law, Josephine Senerchia.

A private Mass of Christian burial was held Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, at St. Matthias Catholic Church, with the Rev. John Jerek and the Rev. Thomas McCarthy officiating.

Burial and military honors took place in St. John Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Wasko Funeral Home. Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and send Sonny’s family condolences.

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