Stephen Gradski Jr.

Stephen Gradski Jr. 75, of Mannford, Oklahoma passed away from this life on February 6, 2019.

Stephen was born on September 3, 1943, in Youngstown, Ohio. He was the son of Stephen, Sr. and Mary (Simunic) Gradski. Stephen grew up and attended school in Youngstown, Ohio. Soon after graduation, Stephen joined the United States Air Force. After four years in the Air Force, Stephen moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1967 and he soon joined the National Guard where he worked until he retired. Following retirement from the Air National Guard, Stephen began working at American Airlines. Stephen worked as an aircraft mechanic for American until the early 2000’s when he fully retired.

Stephen was an avid Pittsburg Steeler Fan who also enjoyed traveling. He took many trips abroad while in the military as well as a private citizen and was especially fond of his time spent living in Germany. Stephen always made others feel like family. Stephen also took frequent trips in his RV with his many friends. He always referenced his trips to Mexico, Sturgis, Yellowstone and Nova Scotia. Stephen always made the annual Bikes, Blues and BBQ event in Fayetteville as well as several local bike rallies with his friends. He loved his mornings visiting with friends and having coffee at the Mannford VFW. Stephen was very mechanically inclined and loved tinkering on anything with an engine. Stephen has been a longtime member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mannford.

Survivors include his one son Stephen Gradski of Tulsa, Oklahoma, one daughter Stephanie Gradski of Los Angeles, California; one brother Frank Gradski of Arizona and one sister Carole O'Neill of Georgia as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Stephen was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am, Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mannford, Oklahoma Father Todd Nance will be presiding. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 12th from 12:00 pm till 7:00 pm at Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Burial will be held at a later date in the Fort Gibson National Cemetery. Chapman-Black Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. Friends and family may visit an online guest book and memorial page for Stephen at www.chapman-black.com.