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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stephen E. Duda, 61, a beloved husband, father, and friend. Stephen was surrounded by his family at home at the time of his passing on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025. Born in Nanticoke on November 17th, 1963, he was the son of the late Edward and Jean Duda and was a graduate of Nanticoke High School, Class of 1981. Stephen was a dedicated and selfless man who spent his life serving others.
A proud veteran of The United States Marine Corps, Stephen served his country as a Corporal with honor and distinction. He was the recipient of the Rifle Marksman Badge and the Good Conduct Medal His dedication to duty and his country during his six years of service never wavered, and his courage exemplified the very best qualities of a Marine. His service and sacrifices will always be remembered by those who served alongside him and by the many lives he touched through his work.
After his military service, Stephen began his professional journey at Techniglass, later transitioning his career to Colours, Inc. However, Stephen remained deeply committed to his fellow veterans, working as a security officer for Gino J. Merli Veterans Center in his later life. His work with veterans made a lasting impact on countless lives, and he will be remembered for his compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the men and women who served this nation.
Stephen was a devoted family man who cherished every moment spent with his wife, children, and cats. Whether it was quiet evenings at home or spontaneous trips, he treasured the simple joys of being surrounded by those he held most dear. He found great joy in cooking, often preparing delicious meals that brought family and friends together around the table. When he wasn’t in the kitchen or on a ride, he could be found cheering on his favorite sports team, because no team was better than the Fighting Irish! His adventurous spirit and deep commitment to family were the cornerstones of his life, leaving a legacy of love, laughter, and shared experiences that will continue to inspire all who knew him. Stephen treated everyone he knew as a friend, and he will be deeply missed by those who cherished him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Alisha Nice and two brothers, John and Lawrence Duda.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 13 years Dr. LeeAnn Duda; children Kristen Duda of Nanticoke, Steven Duda Jr of Mocanaqua, Bradley Duda of Scranton, Kaleigh Hamm of Mountain Top, Nicholas Hamm of Nanticoke; five grandchildren; two sisters, nieces, nephews, and his two beloved cats, Grey Grey and Blackie.
Funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, April 10th, 2025, at 7:00 pm from the Desiderio-Lehman Funeral and Cremation, 436 S. Mountain Blvd. Mountain Top. Private family interment will be held in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.
Friends are invited to join the family from 5:00pm until time of service at the funeral home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of STEPHEN E. DUDA, please visit our floral store.