Stephen J. Lopane

Stephen J. Lopane, 58, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, June 20, 2010, at his home with his family. Steve was the loving husband of Bonnie Jess Lopane who shared more than 20 wonderful and happy years together. Steve and Bonnie had a special marriage based on love, trust and respect, filled with smiles, laughter and so many good times spent together. Steve loved animals and especially his little cat, Cinnamon. They enjoyed traveling to favorite destinations including Walt Disney World, Las Vegas and Hawaii, cruises to Caribbean destinations, and trips to Michigan, enjoying warm sunshine and fun time together. Steve's dream of traveling to Egypt was never fulfilled and perhaps not meant to be, but his family knows that he will be seeing the pyramids and pharaohs in heaven. Many happy times were spent cruising in Steve's beautifully restored 1964 Thunderbird convertible, visiting local car shows where he won numerous awards. Steve was a member of the International Thunderbird Club. Steve was the most kindhearted and generous soul, and was greatly loved by his entire family and friends. He always wanted to take care of everyone, always being there for anyone who needed anything. He was the heart and rock of his family, and was the son of his devoted father and mother, Vincent and Dolores Lopane, both of whom passed away in 2002. He had cared greatly for his maternal grandfather, Ivan Trago, and enjoyed weekly trips to Lancaster's Central Market with him over the years. While Steve had lived in Lancaster city most of his life, he and Bonnie moved to Manheim Township in 1999 where he enjoyed their home, always working hard to make everything nice. Steve had one devoted sister, Gwendolen Kinser, and was a special uncle to Angelo Kinser, Ginger Butt and Vincent Kinser, all of Lancaster; to Matthew Grannell, of Lynchburg, Va.; Marisa Niwa and Michael Scarselli, of Pittsburgh; and Leigh and Sara Marxen, of Lancaster. Steve had recently become a great-uncle on April 28 with the birth of his great-nephew, Ayden Michael. Steve was much loved as well by his aunt, Cynthia Trago, of Philadelphia, and his uncle and aunt, Jack and Virginia Trego, of Empire, Mich., and his cousins. Steve was also greatly loved by his mother-in-law, Florence Jess, of Lancaster, and father-in-law the late C. Donald Jess. He is also survived by his sisters-in law Barbara Grannell, wife of Art, of Lancaster; Priscilla Glasow, wife of Jerry, of Alexandria, Va.; and Nancy Murray, wife of Joe, Pittsburgh. Steve was a 1970 graduate of McCaskey High School. Steve and his longtime friend and business partner, Tom Keiper, operated Automated Machine Technologies, and previously STNJ Inc., specializing in machine repair of manufacturing equipment. Steve had previously worked for Fidelity Electric in Lancaster for many years, and also for Marathon Electric, York. He had many talents including fixing anything, and putting things together, and was his family's "go-to" guy. Steve was an avid collector of Marx trains and shared this hobby with his uncle Jack. They attended annual Train Collector Association train shows in York and each had train layouts which they enjoyed together. Steve was proud to be an American and demonstrated true patriotism to his country, flying the American flag at home. Steve was also very proud of his Italian heritage and had hoped to travel to Italy. He was a wonderful cook of many Italian specialties which were greatly enjoyed by his family and friends. Steve loved the holidays and sharing his home and love of Christmas with everyone, especially Christmas decorations and lights. Steve volunteered annually for Hospice of Lancaster County's Annual Labor Day Auction and especially enjoyed working with the Amish volunteers who generously help with the food preparations each year. Steve had enjoyed Rocky Springs Amusement Park as a child and supported the effort to restore the Rocky Springs Carousel. Steve enjoyed a variety of music, especially the music of the '50s and '60s, and especially Frankie Valli, the Four Tops and Temptations, having enjoyed many concerts over the years. Steve will be missed by all, but we'll look forward to seeing him again in heaven. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Steve's Celebration of Life funeral service on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at 11 a.m., from St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 700 Pleasure Road, Lancaster, with the Rev. Peter Schwabe-Fry officiating. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. If desired, memorials may be made in Steve's memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125, or The Salvation Army, 131 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603-5317. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Stephen J. Lopane

July 1, 2010