Stephen Poklemba

Biography

Stephen Andrew Poklemba "Steve" or "Poky," 78 of Havana, FL passed away on November 17, 2014 while aboard a cruise ship with his wife and dear friends. Even though it was his heart that caused his death, he had a heart of gold and full of love.

Steve was born in Donora, PA on April 10, 1936 to Late Steve and Late Helen (Chisar) Poklemba. He graduated from Donora High School in 1954. After High School he joined the US Navy and served for five years. He then graduated from Robert Morris Junior College (Now Robert Morris University) with a degree in Accounting.

In 1961 he moved to Ft. Myers, FL and started his account career with a local Accounting firm. In 1964 he was hired by Naples Tomato Growers, later became Gargiulo, Inc., where he served as an Accountant and CFO for 32 years. Steve had a passion for the tomato business and farming.
In 1967 he moved to Bonita Springs, Fl where he was active for many years in the Lions Club, Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball as a coach to many youth. He was loved and admired by his players.

In 1969 he married his wife, Florence Powell. They moved to Naples, FL in 1973 and then retired to Havana, FL in 2005.
Steve had a strong commitment to the Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus where he reached the 4th degree Knight designation.

He loved sports, especially Florida State Seminoles and The Pittsburgh Steelers. He bled Garnet and Gold and was an avid tailgater at all home games. But, the most important in his life was family. He was the definition of "The Family Man." Steve loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Steve is survived by his wife, Florence Poklemba, Havana; Daughters, Lee Ann (Tom) Harrington, Ft. Myers, FL; Diane (Jim) Kratt, , Ft. Myers ; Renee (Kevin) Zastrow, Longwood, FL; April Fletcher (Kenny Oliverio), Freeport, FL; Son, Stephen A. Poklemba Jr (Laura Bryce), Vancouver, BC; Grandchildren- Ethan Martinez, Ft. Myers, FL. , Lauren Zastrow (Chris), Ames, IA, Kyle Zastrow, Longwood, FL, Ryan Kratt, Ft. Myers, FL, Daniel Kratt, Ft. Myers, FL .
Also his siblings, Jack Poklemba, Pat Jones, Ann Marie Poklemba (John Paschal), Helen Poklemba, Bob Poklemba (Bonnie), Joe Poklemba (Rhonda), Jim Poklemba. Along with several cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and in-laws.

He is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, sister, Monica Brant, brothers Dickie and Andy Poklemba, niece Tia Poklemba, and three brother in-laws

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday,, November 26, 2014 at Saint Louis Catholic Church 3640 Fred George Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32303 with a private family internment at Hillcrest Cemetery in Quincy, FL. A reception will follow at Havana Golf and Country Club (Club House)

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at Faith Funeral Home in Havana (850.539.4300 or www.faithfuneralhomme.com) Memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 22312

Visitation

Tuesday November 25, 2014, 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Faith Funeral Home Chapel
Click for Map and Directions

Funeral Service

Wednesday November 26, 2014, 11:00am at St. Louis Catholic Chruch
Click for Map and Directions

Burial to follow service