Stephen M. Kish 1957-2025

He was born Jan. 5, 1957, in Youngstown, a son of the late Charles and Elsie Yaksic Kish.

He was a 1975 graduate of Ursuline High School and attended Choffin Career Center, where he learned to be a mechanic.

He worked for Firestone and Goodyear, and then delivered auto parts for Car Parts Warehouse and Pep Boys.

Racing was one of Stephen’s greatest passions. He raced his own car at Sharon Speedway and found excitement both behind the wheel and in the garage. He never lost that spark for the sport — whether it was the Indy 500, a dirt track race or anything on television, he was always eager to watch.

Outside of racing, he had a soft spot for his cats, who brought him comfort and companionship. He was also known for his sense of humor, always ready with a joke or story to make someone laugh. People were drawn to his easygoing personality, and he had a natural way of getting along with everyone he met.

Family was at the center of his life. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them, especially when it meant reconnecting with cousins he hadn’t seen in years. His loyalty carried over into sports as well, where he proudly rooted for Ohio State and the Cleveland Browns. He will be remembered not only for his love of racing and his favorite teams, but also for the laughter, kindness and warmth he shared with those around him.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, the former Tara Tsvetanoff, whom he married Feb. 2, 2002; his son, Shaun (Chastity) Kish; grandson, Dominic; mother-in-law, Debbie (Chuck) Hnat; father-in-law, Jordy (Judy) Tsvetanoff; and brother-in-law, Jordan Tsvetanoff; nephew, Gary “Butch” (Lisa) Bilchik; niece, Sheila (Jerry) Gentile; great-nieces and great-nephews; cousins, Mikey Yaksic, Michael (Kim) Yaksic, Chris (Ray) Kondas, Tiffany (Adam) Lesnansky, Autumn and Adam; and many more family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Gary “Snookie” Bilchik; and cousin, Fran Yaksic.

Friends will be received 4 to 5:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland, followed immediately by a funeral service at 6 p.m.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of St. Elizabeth Hospitals, both Boardman and Youngstown, Hampton Woods, and all of his doctors for their care and compassion.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences and share your memories.

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