Dr. Stephen J. Kukura

STRUTHERS – Dr. Stephen J. Kukura, 67, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2022 at the Hospice House.     

Stephen was born April 18, 1954 in Youngstown, a son of Ann (Vrabel) Kukura and the late Stephen A. Kukura.  

Deep in faith, Stephen was a very active member and volunteer usher at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church/Christ Our Savior Parish in Struthers. 

Stephen attended St. Nicholas primary school and was a 1972 graduate of Struthers High School. He attended Youngstown State University, receiving an Associate Degree in Applied Science with a major in Electronic Engineering in 1985 and a Bachelor of Science with a major in Pre-Medicine in 1989. He went on to earn his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland in 1997.

An accomplished musician, Stephen was a founding member and bass guitar player for the local rock band Southwind in the 70’s and 80’s. A multi-talented music lover, in addition to the bass, he was skilled in acoustic guitar, organ, and drums. He enjoyed and appreciated supporting the talents of local rock bands and liked to go see live musical performances.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved daughter Kristen (John) Seaver, his mother Ann Kukura, siblings Deborah (Robert) Nestor, Richard (Diane) Kukura and Pamela Kukura. Nephews Dr. Richard (Ally) Kukura, Jr., Matthew (Andrea) Kukura, and Chad (Paige) Nestor. Cousin John (Colleen) Kukura; friend, ex-wife, and mother of his daughter, Debra Hartley; and dear family friend Linda Fedorchak.

Other than his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents Frank & Julia Kukura and John & Veronica Vrabel, uncle Frank Kukura, aunt Martha Kukura, aunt Mary Jean Vrabel, and cousin Frank Kukura III.

The family would like to thank Dr. Alex Vrable for the many years of care, his team of doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, and the wonderful staff at Hospice House in Boardman. 

The family has entrusted Stephen to the Kubina Yuhasz Wasko Funeral Home, where they will have calling hours on Friday, April 1, 2022 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The family will also receive friends from 9:30am to 10:15am at the funeral home on Saturday, April 2, 2022, followed by a prayer service at 10:15am. A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church/Christ Our Savior Parish in Struthers will follow at 11:00am. He will be laid to rest at St. John the Baptist Cemetery. 

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view the obituary and send the family condolences.

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