Stephen Thomas Rovnanik

Stephen Thomas “Chippy” Rovnanik, 96, of Brackenridge, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, April 17, 2023 at Concordia Lutheran Home, Cabot, where he was residing for the past two years.  

Steve was born on Sunday, March 13, 1927 in Brackenridge to the late Matus and Barbara Barcak Rovnanik, first generation immigrants from Czechoslovakia.  Steve left high school in 11th grade to serve in the US Navy during WWII; after which he went to work at PPG in Creighton until his retirement in 1989 while also working on and off for many years at Andy’s Amoco Gas Station in Brackenridge.  Steve was a member of the Guardian Angels Parish - St. Ladislaus Church, Natrona and was a life member of the Brackenridge American Legion and the Oregon Hunting and Fishing Club of Brackenridge. Post retirement and in his prime, Steve kept himself very active. He enjoyed golfing, gardening - fresh tomatoes and kohlrabi being his favorite, putzing around outside, and watching his grandchildren, spending many summers with them at Sylvan Pool. A patriot and avid Pittsburgh sports fan, he passed time watching the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and old westerns.  But Steve’s pride and joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Steve leaves behind to cherish his memory his two daughters: Paula (David) Pawlak and Karen (John) Peters, both of Natrona Heights; his 3 grandchildren: Stacie Jo (Michael) Dickson of Annapolis, MD, Lindsay Peters (Elias) Heilman of Freeport, and Stephen (Angela) Peters of Pittsburgh; his 7 great-grandchildren whom he adored: Bingham, Remington, Easton & Willow Heilman and Wrenna, Kolson & Zara Peters; a brother-in-law Gerald Durci; along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Marian Durci Rovnanik (Jan. 5, 2021) and his siblings: Paul, Frank, and Joseph Rovnanik, Mary Znosko, and Steffy Kolek.  

Family and friends are invited from 2-4 and 6-8 on Friday, April 21, 2023 at the ROBERT PETERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1521 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, PA 15065 (724-224-7730), where a parting prayer service will be held at 9:00 AM Saturday, April 22, 2023.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 AM at the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 800 Montana Ave., Natrona Heights, PA 15065 with the Reverend John B. Lendvai, officiating.  Burial will follow at Mount Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights.  For online condolences and more information please visit www.petersfamilyfuneralhomes.com. A special thank you to the staff at Concordia for the loving care they gave to Steve, who was affectionally called “The Guard.” 

Military honors will be accorded by the Vandergrift Honor Guard.  The Oregon Hunting and Fishing Club will meet at the funeral home at 6PM on Friday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Guardian Angels Parish, 1526 Union Avenue, Natrona Heights, PA 15065.

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