Stephen A. Hruska 1958-2022

Stephen was the only son of Anna Duncko Hruska and the late Steve J. Hruska.

Stephen attended St. Matthias School and Woodrow Wilson High School, graduating in 1976. Stephen was a councilman of St. Matthias Church, and was an involved member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol, Group 17, Assembly 108.

He spent his 35-year career in the heavy equipment industry. Stephen worked as a service manager, parts manager, sales, and was the branch manager and vice president of Mahnen Machinery in Austintown in the 1990s. After he moved to Florida, Stephen continued with sales at several dealerships, then owned and operated his own company, Heavy Equipment Consulting, before retirement.

Stephen always liked to cook; he embraced that passion by catering a bingo hall with his wife, Cathryn, in Masaryktown, Fla.

Stephen had a “burning” passion for the Cleveland Browns. He was especially “fired up” after The Drive in 1987.

Stephen was an avid bowler. He spent his Saturday nights at Holiday Bowl in the Sokols mixed league, where he bowled a perfect 300 game in 1997. He bowled another 300 game during practice in 2003. He also won the Sokols doubles tournament in 1989.

Stephen enjoyed following his son’s and grandson’s football careers. In the 1990s, he would watch his son’s practices from his car, even if he had to work simultaneously. When he could not watch his grandson’s games in person, he would study the games posted on YouTube to provide commentary and tips. He loved sharing his grandson’s highlights on social media.

He cherished his animal companions, including the late Zoey and the late Allie (both black Labradors), and his cat, Dorie, who enjoyed walking in front of him.

Stephen has made many memories with friends and family over the years and truly cherished those relationships. He was very fond of reconnecting and catching up with his friends and family, sharing stories of the good ole days. No matter how many times he might share the same story, he would share it like it was the first time.

Along with his wife, Cathryn, he also leaves behind his former spouse, Doris Zordich Hruska of Youngstown; his children, Steve J. (Megan) Hruska of Greenville, S.C., Joseph (Allie) Babineau of Old Town, Maine, Annie Babineau of Abilene, Texas and Eric Babineau of Buffalo, N.Y.; his grandchildren, Evan Hruska, Tyler Sullivan, Avery White and Sierra Babineau; his mother, Anna; and his three sisters, Nancy (James) Hildebrand, Rosemary (John) Goodwin and Linda (Gary) Frank; and brother-in-law, Richard Testa. Stephen also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Steve J. Hruska; and his sister, Joanne Testa.

There will be a celebration of life scheduled in the Youngstown area in the spring. Details will be shared on social media, as they are finalized.

(special notice)