Steven Alex Pekarsky

Steven Alex Pekarsky, beloved husband of Kathleen M. Pekarsky, passed away peacefully at their home on Saint Helena Island, South Carolina on the morning of October 27, 2025.

Born June 19, 1948 in Harrisburg, PA to the late Alexander and Victoria Pekarsky. He was the younger brother to his adored sister Elaine, wife of Robert Wilson. He spent his youth growing up in the small town of Vineland, NJ and had fond memories of summers spent at the Jersey Shore. The high school yearbook in his senior year quoted this about Steve: “…in Heaven with a house overlooking the ocean.” He carried that love of beaches and the ocean throughout his life.

Steve earned an Engineering degree from Stevens Institute of Technology. He loved his fraternity brothers and had many hilarious tales of their time together. He firmly believed the movie “Animal House” was based on their adventures! Steve was an accomplished Eagle Scout, fisherman, scuba diver, tennis player and talented carpenter. He enjoyed traveling the states and abroad with his wife, family and dear friends.

He had a long and successful career at Air Products and Chemicals Incorporated in Allentown, PA. Steve especially enjoyed his time as Plant Manager at the Piedmont Plant in SC where he made a hand maneuver known as the “Pekarsky Chop” infamous. He ended his career as a Project Manager at Air Liquide in Geismar, LA where he became to be known as “The Most Interesting Man in the World.” Steve made enduring friendships in his workplaces. He engaged his coworkers with humor and respect while remaining the consummate professional. He maintained an exceptional safety record achieving recognition from his peers. Steve received accolades and many awards throughout his career.

After retiring, with his wife by his side, Steve built their dream home on a tidal creek property on rural Saint Helena Island in Beaufort County, SC.Steve loved his Lowcountry home and the beautiful life he and Kathleen shared. He enjoyed the beauty of the Palms and Live Oaks draped in Spanish Moss, the views from his dock, the tidal creeks, beaches and marshlands, and the abundant wildlife that shared his coastal paradise. He spent his days in his workshop working on home improvement projects, maintaining their home and land, and caring for their menagerie of pets which brought him great joy.

When not working on a project, Steve loved

to entertain family and friends at their home. He was a generous and charming host and many treasured memories were made over Lowcountry boils, a full dining room table and parties on the porch that lasted late into the night. Steve was eternally grateful to the family, friends and neighbors that graciously offered assistance and support to himself and Kathleen as they navigated the last years of his life. 

In addition to his wife Kathleen, and his sister Elaine, he is survived by his children and grandchildren. Daughter Amy, wife of Carroll Neville and grandsons Jack and Will; daughter Kathryn, wife of Daniel Blocker and grandson Duncan and granddaughter Sadie Mae; stepdaughter Tara, wife of Jayson Dzienis; and stepson Ian J. Lederer. He will be lovingly remembered by his mother in law Lillian T. Dooley, sisters and brothers in law, many nieces and nephews, as well as extended family and numerous friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org or the Beaufort County Animal Shelter in Okatie, SC or your local animal rescue.

A memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort, SC 29907 on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11 o’clock in the morning. A reception will immediately follow at the church’s Walsh Palmetto Room.

Steve was a warm and charismatic individual and will be deeply missed.