Stephen Skurla Jr.

Stephen Skurla Jr., 92, of Bayville, N.J. passed away on Wednesday, March 15 th , 2023 after a long illness. He was born and raised in McAdoo, PA. He attended McAdoo High School and also pursued higher education at Pennsylvania State University. Stephen served his country in the United States Army and fought in the Korean War. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Stephen was also in the Army Reserves and held the rank of Major prior to his retirement. After returning home from the Korean War, Stephen worked for Sears, Roebuck & Co.

He met his prospective wife, Julia, in Hazelton, PA. After marrying, they moved to Elizabeth, NJ where Stephen worked as an installer for New Jersey Bell Telephone. He and Julia eventually moved to Linden, NJ when he joined Exxon Research & Eng. Co. Stephen was also active in local politics in Linden and served as Constable for a number of years. He was a member of St. George Byzantine Catholic Church in Linden and a Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus.

After 35+ years of service, Stephen retired from Exxon as Materials and Services Group Head. At that time, he and Julia decided to move to Bayville, NJ. Stephen was also active in local politics and made it a point to attend local council meetings to voice his opinions on how to make positive improvements in the community.

Stephen is a life member of Berkeley Emergency Response Team – Sta. 85 in Bayville, NJ where he volunteered and served as an Administrative Officer - Secretary and also a proud supporter. He was also very active in attending local council meetings when he was in better health. Stephen is a member of Toms River Elks Lodge 1875 in Toms River, NJ. Stephen was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Byzantine Catholic Church in Toms River, NJ. He subsequently became a member of St. Barnabas Parish Community in Bayville, NJ. St. Barnabas has provided Stephen and his wife with significant spiritual support especially as they started to decline in health.

He is predeceased by his mother, Helen and his father, Stephen, and brother John.

Stephen is survived by his beloved wife, Julia, of 66 years, his daughter, Joyce, and son-in-law, John of Bayville, NJ, and his daughter, Gail, and son-in-law, Brian of Vero Beach, Fl. His sister, Dolores of Snellville, Georgia. His sister, Mary and brother-in-law, Andrew of Hazleton, PA. His sister-in-law, Ethel of New York, NY.

There will be a private memorial service at Mastapeter Memorial Home, 270 Atlantic City Blvd., Bayville, NJ on Friday, March 24th from 9:30-10:45 am. Funeral mass will be held at St. Barnabas Parish Community Catholic Church, 33 Woodland Rd., Bayville, NJ on Friday, March 24th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either of his two favorite charities:

 St. Barnabas Parish Community, 33 Woodland Rd., Bayville, NJ 08721

or

 Berkeley Emergency Response Team – Station 85, P.O. Box 194, Bayville, NJ 08721

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