It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of our father, Steve Paul Thomas Boczkowski. His unexpected loss has left an unimaginable void in the lives of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Our father lived life fully and deeply, giving his all both to his work and to the people and moments he loved the most. He lived life to the fullest from an early age—growing up on the rocky shores of England before coming to America as a young man to join the United States Marines. He proudly served five years of active duty and nine years in the reserves. Even in his later years, his energy never slowed. He could often be found going for runs, hiking in the hills, playing with his dogs in the lake, or working in the garden. If it involved being outdoors, he was there; something we have all taken into our adult lives.
As a father, he cherished every moment, often capturing life through his camera so he could later share those memories with each of his daughters. It was not unusual to open our mail to find a baby tooth taped to a letter addressed to the tooth fairy, or a Polaroid preserving a small, ordinary moment that made his heart smile. Some of our most cherished memories are of bedtime stories, when he transformed into every character, filling the room—and our hearts—with his booming “Fee, fi, fo, fum.”
He was also incredibly funny, and there was truly never a dull moment around him. He was known for giving the simplest things joyful nicknames—“yippee dips” for kisses and “googey loo loos” for eggs—small details that perfectly capture the warmth and humor he brought into our lives.
Steve was a beloved father, brother, son, grandfather, and friend. One of twelve children himself, he leaves behind his three daughters, siblings, mother, countless nieces and nephews, and two grandchildren. While many would describe him as stubborn and private, no one ever questioned how deeply he loved his family. There was an invincible presence about him, and his absence is felt immensely by all of us.
Because his passing was so sudden, our family is now facing the emotional weight of this loss alongside significant and unexpected financial burdens. We have started this GoFundMe to help cover the costs associated with providing our father with a proper burial. Our goal is to honor him with the dignified and heartfelt military service he deserves and to offer our family some peace of mind as we begin the long journey toward healing.
Any contribution, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate, we respectfully ask that you share this page and keep Steve’s family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support in helping us honor the life of a man who was truly one of a kind.