Obituary of Stephen M. Kukucka

KUKUCKA – Dr. Stephen M. “Doc,” 86, Ebensburg, died May 9, 2010, at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Born Aug. 6, 1923, in Revloc, son of Anton and Priscilla Kukucka. Preceded in death by parents; children, Thomas M. and Christina B.; and the following brothers and sisters: Frances Chambers, John Kukucka, Mary Yadanza, Anthony Kukucka and little brother, Paulie, his best friend, who died when he was 3 years old. Survived by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Phillips; the following children: Dr. Michael A. Kutcher (Ellen McGuire), Winston-Salem, N.C.; Dr. Stephen P. Kukucka; Janet Kukucka (Ed Blazina); and Bettyann “Beth” Kukucka (Stephanie Roy), Pittsburgh. Survived by grandchildren, Dr. Matthew E. Kutcher, San Francisco, Calif.; Patrick S. Kutcher, Asheville, N.C.; and Carrie Blazina, Pittsburgh. Also survived by sisters, Josephine Mains, Trenton, N.J., and Priscilla McDonald, Morrisville. A 1941 graduate of Ebensburg Cambria High School and his football and track achievements are still remembered by many. As a teen, he participated in the Golden Gloves Boxing program and was known as a scrappy competitor. He was awarded a football scholarship to St. Francis College of Loretto and was a proud member of the 1941-1942 team, the only undefeated football team in the college’s history. He served in the Army Air Force in World War II, where he received training with the B-29 aircraft and chemical warfare. He also was a security force member on the Alamagorda atomic bomb project. He continued his interest in boxing as a member of the Army Air Force boxing team. He is a 1948 graduate of Baltimore College of Dental Surgery of the University of Maryland. He served in the Korean War as an Army Dental Corps captain. After his discharge, he practiced dentistry in Barnesboro, and in 1960 earned an anesthetist degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Kukucka was a self-employed dentist in Cambria County for 52 years, most of the time in Patton. An early advocate for the use of fluoridated water, he also was an educator on the effects of sugar and processed food on dental health. Affordable and flexible, he provided dental care to many who otherwise were unable to have it. He retired in 2001, and is still missed by many patients. He was a lifetime member of both the American Dental Society and the Knights of Columbus 522, as well as a member of the American Legion Post 0363. An avid golfer, he was a member of Immergrun Golf Club since 1965, and golfed at every opportunity until his illness kept him from his favorite activity. He bowled in both the American Legion and the Holy Name League. “Doc” enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and yard work. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a faithful member of Holy Name Parish, Ebensburg, often participating in the Nocturnal Adoration and daily Mass. Visitation from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Matevish & Matevish Funeral Home, Ebensburg, where wake service will be held Wednesday. Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Holy Name Church, Ebensburg, the Rev. Monsignor Arnold L. Gaus. Committal, Holy Name Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the Thomas Kukucka Memorial Fund at Slovak Studies Program, University of Pittsburgh, 1417 Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15260. Do Videnia. Until we meet again.