Stephen Andrew Birckbichler, 73, of Chicora, began his eternal life in heaven peacefully from the comfort of his home on the morning of September 27, 2024, after a 9-month battle with cancer.
He was born on October 8, 1950, in Butler, Pennsylvania to Wendel “Chip” and Betty (Cobb) Birckbichler. He graduated from Butler High School in 1968.
He married Donna Jean (Zimmell) Birckbichler on December 7, 1974, at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in The Village of North Oakland and would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this December. During their marriage, they raised two beautiful children and enjoyed time with their six grandchildren.
Stephen worked as a truck driver for his father’s business, Black and White Express, until 1995. He then worked at AK Steel-Butler Works from 1997-2012 where he retired. In retirement, Stephen worked part-time for O’Donnell Transport.
Stephen was known as a “homerun king” in his earlier years playing softball. In addition, he was an avid golfer and bowler, being part of the Alan Zediker Memorial and Dew Drop Inn Golf Leagues, as well as a member of the Hardwood Café Bowling League and was a former member/officer of the Butler Area Street Machines Association Car Club.
When not participating in activities with friends or cheering for his favorite sports teams, he cherished time with the true pride and joy of his life- his family. He was a proud pappy and enjoyed watching his grandchildren compete in many sporting events over the years.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Jean (Zimmell) Birckbichler of Chicora; a son, Brian S. Birckbichler and his wife, Lisa, of Harmony; a daughter, Carrie R. Birckbichler-Smith and her husband, Darrell, of Butler. He was affectionately known as “Pappy” to his six grandchildren, Connor James Birckbichler of Harmony, Elliette Jane Smith of Butler, Luke Ryan Birckbichler of Harmony, Cameron Brian Smith of Butler, Brody Darrell Smith of Butler, and Blake Stephen Birckbichler of Harmony; his siblings, Joseph (Patricia) Birckbichler of Butler, Phillip (Barbara) Birckbichler of Butler, Jeffrey (Patricia) Birckbichler of Butler, and Barbara (James) Ippolito of Charleston, Il; his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Leo and Betty Zimmell of Chicora and Bobbi Birckbichler of Collegeville.
He was preceded in death by his parents Wendel “Chip” and Betty Birckbichler and a brother, Michael Birckbichler.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Church, 210 Saint Wendelin Rd., Butler, with Rev. Matt McClain, church pastor, officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in The Village of North Oakland.
Memorial contributions may be made to Family House Housing Accommodations at familyhouse.org. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.
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