Stephen Radwanski's Obituary
Stephen Radwanski was suddenly called home to the Lord on Wed, March 27th 2019 Jesus had blessed him with 3 critical purposes in his life. Father, Fix it Man, and Grandfather As a Father to Nicholas Roman Radwanski, Stephen played the Role of quiet counsel. Never a man of many words, that proved to be the biggest blessing to his son during the darkest times, as he would simply “listen” to his sons troubles. Never interrupting, and never over-advising. Just listening. It is known you can’t do anything and truly listen at the same time, and Stephen was the best at this. Often being mistaken for having little to no opinion, nothing could be further from the truth. Those who knew him well know that he had PLENTY of opinions. Politically, and Culturally. As a Fix it Man, Stephen became synonymous with Mt. Diablo State Park. In talking with peers, they often said his fingerprints were all over the park. Never one to rush anything, at his retirement his Boss said, “If you want something done quick, Steve is NOT your guy. But, if you want something done RIGHT- it’s him.” Ironically the pace of the world was always a struggle for Steve as things just moved too fast for him to adjust. But when looking at how he approached life as a fix it man, there were lots of learning lessons Stephen left. “Think before acting (measure twice, cut once”, “Be Slow to Anger, and Quick to Forgive”, and one that he left his son which has been a source of peace: “There is ALWAYS a solution, you just need time, patience, and thought to find it.” He practiced that for 30 plus years at Mt. Diablo State Park and will continue to influence that mountain for decades. As a Grandfather, to Ashlyn, Liliana, Elyssa, and Jordan, Stephen was on a level of his own. It wasn’t what he ever said to the grandkids or even what he did with them. In fact, he SAID very little to them, and he DID even less with them. But his thoughtfulness shown through the many fun, quirky, and sometimes just downright weird gifts he would give them. Beyond that, as a Grandfather, Stephen did the most important thing a Grandfather could do– He would be present. He was there. Stephen didn’t Major in the Minors. He majored in the majors. He was there to hug. There to joke with . There to make fun of. There to share his love of animals (his beloved dogs Amy and Zoe) There to listen. There to open Christmas gifts on December 25th. His daughter in law Jamie Radwanski knew this better than anyone. Her father had gone to be with Jesus when she was just a young lady, and she married into the Radwanski family, inheriting a Father in Law who really became a true Father figure for her simply because he was there. There to love, and there to take care of. And he loved how she cared about him. Having only a son carried some pros, but a big con was that he lacked a female nurturers for years. Both His daughter in law, and all his granddaughters gave that to him in spades, and it made the last 10 years of his life some of the most loving he ever had. Stephen’s departure will leave a hole in many hearts. Anyone he let into his life, typically stayed there. He never held grudges, and was known by most who knew him as a very “kind” man. When he sat in Front of the Lord for Judgement, it would surprise no one if that was the summary: “Well done good and faithful servant. You were a very Kind Man”. Stephens family requests that you honor his life by attending his services on April 12th at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo Ca. Seating begins at 10:30am and service will begin at 11am in the Crystal Springs Chapel. There will not be a formal reception. However, anyone who wishes to join the burial, will be asked to drop an “Arrow” in with Stephen. He was a huge Archery lover (among other medieval things) and his family can’t think of a better way to honor him.
What’s your fondest memory of Stephen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Stephen?
Share a story where Stephen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Stephen you’ll never forget.
How did Stephen make you smile?