Stephen Philip Maronto

Stephen Philip Maronto, eloquent builder, carpenter, potter and artist, died in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Stephen was born, April 29, 1947, in Evergreen Park, Illinois. He was raised in Oak Lawn, just southwest of Chicago. In 1990, he moved his family to Kalamazoo to build his dream house on 10 acres.

Stephen was a former Navy Aircraft Electrician. His service included primary astronaut recovery team member for Gemini and secondary recovery for Apollo space missions, he was honorably discharged in 1970. He never lost his passion for planes or the military. After retirement in 2008, he began serving as part of the restoration team at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. You can find his work and contributions throughout the museum. He has been recognized for his years of service, and projects, sought after by other museums across the United States.

He held degrees in Engineering and Advertising Arts, completed a Carpentry program at the Washburne trade school and union apprenticeship. He worked as a carpenter in Local 141 in Illinois and Local 525 Michigan. As a builder, he honed his craft by designing, rehabilitating, remodeling and rebuilding spaces in Michigan and Illinois. 

Stephen created award winning pottery alongside his wife, Nancy. His artistic expression was unquenchable, a new project was always on the horizon, and he was well known for his resourcefulness and repurposing of materials. One such project is the gorgeous, coffered ceiling in his home library and guestroom. He salvaged wood, milled it himself, onsite, and was assisted by his children. Including family and friends in his projects, was a typical way for him to share knowledge and build bonds.

In his later years, he was devoted even more to his family. His grandchildren and wife were a high priority. It brought him so much joy to share his interests with them, attend their school or sporting events, teach them to drive, work on art together, travel and, of course, to be there at the drop of a hat, if ever they needed him. Even a trip to the store would warrant an invitation to his wife to join him. He loved her company and the time they were blessed to spend together.

His passion for family could be attributed to his youth. Every summer, he could be found on his grandpa and grandma Kovach’s blueberry farm in Portage, Michigan. He learned how to drive a tractor from his grandfather, and to check his shoes for critters – especially snakes – before putting them on in the morning. Growing up around many of his 50 first cousins, Stevie learned to take his place as a role model and responsible older brother. 

Stephen was always a hands-on guy. He loved working on cars in his parents’ garage in Oak Lawn, sometimes with his little brother, Joey. He often rode around with one of his best friends, Jim, in their Corvettes. He loved reminiscing about his travels, including his fastest time from Portage to Oak Lawn, 1 hour and 15 minutes, to make it in time for his baby sister Gina’s recital.

Steve met his beautiful bride, Nancy, at her cousin’s wedding. He likely was one of the few people you knew who met their future in-laws and spouse on the same day. On their first date, Steve drove Nancy by a home in Oak Lawn he had long admired. He said to her, “this is my dream house and someday I’m going to build it.” 

After a year of courting, Nancy and Stephen married on August 3, 1974. Two years later, they welcomed their first child, purchased their first home, and bought a 1976 Chevy Blazer, their first truck. It took 14 more years before his dream, and Nancy’s, became a reality. His family enjoyed 34 years together building their dream home, making memories and sharing it with friends and family.

When it came to relaxing, he enjoyed reading magazines and books, was a history buff and loved classic movies. He shared watching his favorite films and shows with his children and grandchildren. Often having weekly evenings together or taking them to a new movie. He could be counted on to notice small or historic details he would point out to them.

His gift of gab often kept him lingering in stores or at events. He would be there on time, but leaving would always be just a bit later than expected. 

If you knew Stevie, you knew his kindness and generosity. When his kids were small, he would find discarded bicycles and spend time fixing them up for children who didn’t have a bike. Often others would call him up for assistance and he would find a way to make time for them. 

He always said, “food is for everyone.” He welcomed any hungry mouths at the table and encouraged his children to do the same. If he had something, it was to share. He was always loaning out something or finding a needed item for someone else. He was generous to everyone he met.

Stephen is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy (nee Klos), their children Jessica Maronto (Chicago, IL), Peter Maronto (Hickory Hills, IL), Christine (nee Maronto) Patacsil (Portage, MI), grandchildren: Thalia (Degen Gembarowski) Maronto, Ethan Maronto, Mason Patacsil, His Mother Rose Maronto (Kalamazoo, MI), Sister Gina (Mark) Atilano (Burbank, IL). 

There were many people over the years who became family, though did not share the bond of blood, Lisa Wnuk, Samantha Hoekstra, Kimberlee (Matt) Rackley, grandchildren Ayden, Gideon, Phoenix and Elora Rackley, and many others who his kindness touched.

Visitation will take place at Langeland Funeral Home, 3926 S. 9th Street, 4:00 to 7:00 pm Friday, August 23, 2024. 

Catholic funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am, at St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish, 421 Monroe St, Kalamazoo, Saturday, August 24, 2024. 

The family invites everyone to celebrate Stephen’s life following the mass. Kalamazoo Air Zoo, Restoration Center, Observation Deck, 3101 E. Milham Rd, Kalamazoo.

A military burial will be held at 11:30 am, Monday, August 26, 2024, at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd, Augusta, MI.

Please visit Stephen’s personalized guest book at www.langelands.com. Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Kalamazoo Air Zoo, 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002.