Nicholas Stefanchik (Pops, Poppy, Nick), 88, resident of Clifton, NJ, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021, at his home of sixty years, on Claverack Road, with his son and his wife of 69 years at his side. Nick was born September 20, 1932 on Knapp Avenue, Passaic, NJ. Nick died of natural causes due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. Nick was predeceased by his parents, Nicholas Stefanchik and Anna Sandala, both emigres from Slovakia in the 1910's; his sisters Helen Nunnink and Anna Buzzie, and his daughter Cathy Lynn "Pixie" Stefanchik.

In May of 1952, Nick married his sweetheart, Joan Frances Orann, after six years of courtship. Joan and Nick met through a mutual high-school friend. Nick enlisted with the US Navy during the Korean War and was a Quartermaster, Seaman 1st Class, stationed in Jacksonville, FL, thus the newlyweds began their married life on a naval base in Florida, where they were fortunate to meet their life-long friends, Carol and Don Osewalt, and Bert and Arlene Toth. Nick and Joan were blessed with their first child, a daughter, Merrilee Ann Scilla, wife of Peter D. Scilla, while stationed in Jacksonville.

After his naval service, Nick moved back to NJ to raise his family, finish college in night-school at Fairleigh Dickinson University and start his career in sales. Merrilee was quickly followed by Michael Francis, Cathy Lynn, Virginia Carol "Ginger" Scott, wife of James J. Scott and Joan Patricia "Joni" Jasterzbski, wife of Richard Jasterzbski. Nick was a loving and fun uncle to eleven nieces and nephews, grandfather to eight grandchildren and one great grand-child. He had such a big heart he was a "second" dad/grandad to Eileen Young and her daughter Alexa, and the Moran family, Ron and Vicki and their three daughters, Kelly, Jennifer and Alison.

Nick and Joan were devoted to each other through many years of life's ups and downs. Joan encouraged Nick to have confidence in himself and to put his best foot forward, and his best tie (wink, wink!), as he continued his college education and entered the business world. Joan even persuaded Nick to travel to China with her as part of a Chinese studies class in which Joan was enrolled while attending Montclair State University! Nick always reminded his lovely wife that she was "the wind beneath his wings". In the month before he died, Nick and Joan were talking about how so many things in their lives had changed over the years. Nick lovingly said to Joan "many things have changed but not my love for you".

Nick held various jobs to support his growing family, often working two or three at a time. His warm personality and strong work ethic were the perfect attributes for a career in sales and hospitality. Nick shared his smile and good nature with hundreds of people over the years while hosting many events as maitre d' at the Robin Hood Inn in Clifton. After working at Pfizer and Bonland Sheet Metal for several years, Nick began an illustrious career as a steel salesman within the US Northeast corridor. He garnered numerous laudatory citations and was ultimately described as the "best steel salesman ever" upon his retirement from Bushwick Steel. Nick continued his sales career until he was 76 and always said he loved his job so much that he would pay to work instead of the other way around!

When he wasn't working, Nick enjoyed numerous sports and pastimes, including: fishing with his children, sons-in-law and grandchildren; watching sports on TV; attending every sporting event that his grandchildren participated in; participating in bowling leagues, he had a high score of 276; and being a coach in Little League for 18 years, ultimately coming up one game short of going to the Little League World Series! Nick also enjoyed woodworking and puttering around in his workshop, building and fixing things. One of Nick's granddaughters, Cathy (née Jasterzbski) Pulaski, went on to have a career in metal/jewelry-making as a result of Poppy's influence. Many of Nick's children and grandchildren are lucky to have an item or two made by Poppy in his workshop. Nick was also the primary motivation and chairperson for several class reunions for the Clifton High School class of 1950. Nick led a life rich in love, hard work and self-sacrifice. He was rewarded with a large and loving family. He made his journey to the other side, content in the knowledge that he achieved his life's goals, leaving this earth with peace, courage and serenity knowing he was walking into the warm embrace of his sweet daughter "Pixie".

If anyone is so inclined, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online donations can be made via www.act.alz.org.