Slippery Rock, PA - Stephen Joseph Banjak, 87, of Slippery Rock, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025.

Stephen was born on May 1, 1938, in Farrell, son of the late Steve and Susan (Parkany) Banjak.

Growing up near his immigrant grandparents, he was affectionally known by many as "Synko", meaning "Sonny" in the Slovak language.

And later, after his grandchildren were born, they called him "Dzedo," the same name his children fondly called his father.

Stephen was a 1956 graduate of Farrell High School, where he proudly served as "Color Guard" in the band.

In 1960, after graduating from the University of Iowa in physical education, where he lettered in gymnastics, he accepted a position with Sokol USA as a traveling program coordinator in the northeastern U.S.

In 1964, he received a master of education degree from the University of Pittsburgh and in the fall of that year began teaching in the West Mifflin Area School District, where, in addition to teaching, he started both a boys' and girls' varsity gymnastics program.

In 1968, Stephen accepted a position in teacher preparation in physical education and also coaching men's varsity gymnastics at Slippery Rock University.

During his tenure at Slippery Rock University, he participated in professor exchange programs in Slovakia, once in 1975-76 and a second time in 1991-92, academic years.

In 2002, he retired from Slippery Rock University and was awarded Professor Emeritus in recognition of his distinguished service and contributions.

In 2005, he was inducted into the Slippery Rock University Sports Hall of Fame; in 2008, he was inducted into the Mercer County Sports Hall of Fame; and in 2018, he was inducted into the Farrell High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

Stephen was a lifelong member of the Slovak Home in Farrell as well as an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Hermitage, where his grandfather was a founding member in 1900, serving on Council and various committees for many years.

But Stephen's pursuit throughout his life was teaching, not only the skills connected to gymnastics, but also the Sokol values of a "Sound Mind in a Sound Body," to young people at the local club of Sokol USA, Farrell.

He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Susan Banjak, of Farrell; two sons, Marc Andrew (Molly) Banjak, of Raleigh, N.C.; and Alexej Stefan Banjak, currently an aeronautics/aviation major at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.; and two granddaughters, Kennedy and Quinn of Raleigh, N.C.

Stephen is preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Susan (Parkany) Banjak; and sister, Judith Ann Banjak.

BANJAK

Stephen Joseph, 87, Slippery Rock.

Calling hours: 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday (9-23-25) in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 3325 Morefield Road, Hermitage.

Funeral service: Noon Tuesday in the church, with Rev. Dennis Blauser, pastor, officiating.

Interment: Holy Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Hermitage.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Arrangements entrusted to J. BRADLEY MCGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.