Stephen “Steve” Koyste, 95, of Reading, PA passed away on Thursday, November 23rd, at his residence with loved ones by his side.
Steve was born in Frackville, PA on December 23, 1927, a son of the late Mary (Silinsky) and William Koyste.
Steve began working in the coal mines with his father when he was just 14 years old. At the age of 17, Steve proudly enlisted during WWII in the U.S. Navy as a First Class Seaman. He served as a gunner on the USS Kearsarge CV33 and later on the USS Randolph. Following his time in the Navy, Steve was employed by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542 for 43 years starting as a heavy equipment operator. During his years with Local 542, he held various positions from Business Agent to Apprenticeship Program Coordinator, which he held until his retirement at age 65. He continued to stay active in the union as the President of District #2 pensioners.
He was an active member on the pension board for the Reading Police Department for 25 years. He was also a partner with Landmark Associates who renovated homes in the Berks County area. This allowed him to use his extensive construction knowledge to bring these homes back to their grandeur.
During his retirement, Steve spent many years traveling with his wife, Rosemary. Travel included the U.S. and Europe. On one of these trips, he was able to visit his parent’s ancestral country of Russia. They enjoyed many bus trips together where he always made new friends. He had such an engaging personality even those who had just met him felt they were lifelong friends.
He was an avid outdoorsman; his love of hunting and fishing was developed at a young age. His love of the outdoors took him on many adventurous trips near and far. Anyone who met him had the pleasure of hearing at least a hunting story or two, probably more like three or four as well as his advice on life. Steve loved sitting on his patio, around his firepit, watching the deer on his property. He would also be on the lookout for the groundhogs who visited his garden way too many times. Those rodents had a different fate if he saw them.
Steve was quite the craftsman; no project was too challenging for him. He could often be found working with, or looking for, tools in his workshop. He enjoyed building bird houses. The birds are quite comfortable nesting in all the houses he has made over the years.
Steve was a devoted husband and family man. His love for his family was unmatched. He was the best girl dad, grandpop, great-grand pop, brother, uncle, and friend. He was the go-to person whenever anyone needed help. He touched and helped so many people over the years.
Steve was a diehard Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan even traveling to Clearwater, FL for Phillies Spring training.
In addition to his loving wife of 71 years, Rosemary (Wagner), Steve is survived by 3 daughters, Diane I., widow of Wayne Dineen, Oceanport, NJ; Eileen L., wife of John Price, Spring Township, and Pamela A. Haeuser, Wyomissing. Steve is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and a brother, William Koyste. He is predeceased by 4 siblings; Anna Zadlo, Catherine Shurr, Evelyn Caruso, and Michael Koyste.
Steve was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in West Reading.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veterans Making a Difference 645 N.6th Street, Reading, PA 19601
Services are private at the convenience of family.
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160. Obituary and condolences at www.johnpfeeney.com.
