Obituaries
Stephen T. “Tom” Sottek, 78
March 17, 2023
Stephen T. “Tom” Sottek, 78, of Lancaster, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023 at Lancaster General Hospital.
He was the husband of Maryjo (Hoffman) Sottek with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Stephen and Nelda (Meck) Sottek. He was preceded in death by a brother, James Allen Sottek.
Tom was a graduate of McCaskey High School and received a business degree from Franklin & Marshall College. He was a combat veteran during the Vietnam War, serving as sergeant with the 1st 506 Infantry 101st Airborne Division, earning the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, and Army Commendation Medal.
He worked in employee relations for various local and national companies. He began his career in 1971 with the local HEIL Company, retiring in 2001. During his retirement years, Tom worked in the Pharmacy Department at Lancaster General Hospital and for Wegmans for the past 4 years, a job he truly loved. Tom and Maryjo enjoyed many vacations traveling throughout the U.S., especially Mystic, CT, Bar Harbor, ME, Sedona, AZ, and Walt Disney World.
Tom was a member of St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church.
In addition to his beloved wife, Tom is survived by a son Thomas, of Millersville, and a daughter, Lori Tuinstra, of Columbus, OH and his four grandchildren: Kaeli married to Ryan Tumblison, Mason Sottek, Ryleigh Sottek, and Blake Tuinstra.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Tom’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project, Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
Services are now scheduled for Stephen T. “Tom” Sottek who passed away on March 17, 2023. Friends will be received on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 10-11AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph St., Lancaster, PA, with the Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11AM. Interment will be Monday, April 17, 2023 at 12:30PM in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
April 18, 2023
Dear MaryJo, Tom and Lori – We were very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was always such a nice guy and a great neighbor on Third Street. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Patti Poltrok and Gina (Poltrok) Bowman
March 27, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of “Mr. Tom.” My daughters and I stopped to see him every weekend as we shopped at Wegmans. He brightened our day with stories about his wife, his children, and grandchildren. He was such a kind and wonderful friend to us. We will truly miss his warm smile and conversation. I hope you feel surrounded by much love during this time. – Christine, Adeline, and Fay
March 25, 2023
How sad. Tom was a great friend. I will hold dear memories of cutting Tom’s hair. We shared many laughs and his loving stories of his family. May he be held in God’s loving arms and may his memory bring comfort to you, Mary Jo, Tom, and Lori. Barb Herr
March 21, 2023
Maryjo, I am so sadden to hear of you and your family’s loss of your beloved Tom. I will never forget helping you both plan your vacations over the years,and enjoyed helping you create the trips of your dreams.
I remember how excited Tom was to be working at Wegmans and how he enjoyed all his customers.
My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone whom knew and loved Tom.
Audrey Horting
March 21, 2023
Tom was a very nice guy meant him when he came to my wife Barb for haircuts. He will be missed. So sorry for your loss.
March 21, 2023
So Sorry to hear about Toms passing. A friend from McCaskey and Elaine, Maryjo friend
March 21, 2023
MaryJo and family: I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember Tom from being around the family years ago visiting Colleen. He was always a kind and gently man. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Joni Herlinger
March 21, 2023
I got to know Tom through my son who is their next door neighbor. What a wonderful person he was — the most selfless and kind human being who would do anything for anyone and had a great sense of humor.
My sincerest condolences to his family — he will be sorely missed.
March 21, 2023
My condolences
Kenny Myers
March 21, 2023
My deepest sympathies to your family. I remember Tom when a was little kid. His mother was the “police lady” for Buehrle School. They lived on E Frederick St. I can still see the brothers sitting on the porch and being nice to my cousin, Frank, and me as two 5th graders were bothering the “neat” teenagers. He was a good man. May his memeory be eternal.
March 20, 2023
I got to know Tom a little from my shopping trips to Wegman’s. He was such a delightful person–so pleasant, kind and helpful. Whenever he noticed me in the bakery section he would always make a special effort to fetch a fresh bread and rolls for me while they were just out of the oven and still warm. I regret I didn’t have a chance to know him better. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family, friends, and co-workers.
March 20, 2023
Marymount,
Sorry for the loss of Tom. My husband and I met you both a few times as we are friends of Tim & Colleen. Your loss is Heaven’s gain. We will keep your entire family in our prayers. May the Lord hold you all in the palm of his hand.
Joan Schwebel
March 20, 2023
My sincere sympathy to the family members of Tom at this time. We were classmates at McCaskey, both of us worked at Armstrong. I also worked with Tom’s dad Steve in the Inspection Department. Always tried to find him at the Bakery at Wegman’s for a chat.
Sorry for your loss.
March 20, 2023
Maryjo: My sympathies to you and your family on Tom’s passing. It has brought back memories of the good times we had as 2 young couples in the 60’s. Know that I’m thinking of you at this difficult time. Tom was an all-around great guy. FYI – my husband and I are retired and living at Woodcrest Villa on the Harrisburg Pike.
Marian Fryer Bubernak
March 20, 2023
I am very sorry to hear the news about Mr. Sottek. I was so happy to see him and Mrs. Sottek about seven months ago. He gave me great advice when I was conducting my first job search after college. The help he gave was invaluable. Just a great human being who always warmed the room.
Larry Gray Jr.
March 20, 2023
I am very sorry to hear the news about Mr. Sottek. I was so happy to see him and Mrs. Sottek about seven months ago. He gave me great advice when I was conducting my first job search after college. The help he gave was invaluable. Just a great human being who always warmed the room.
March 20, 2023
I’m sorry for your loss. He was a good man. I am glad he was my uncle. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
March 20, 2023
Tom, So sorry to hear about your Dad. Kay and I will be praying for you and your Mom. Ken & Kay Oakes
March 20, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was so very kind. I will miss chatting with him in the bakery at Wegman’s where we worked together. May our Lord comfort you at this time and with the promise of seeing Tom again one day.
Lisa Buckius
March 20, 2023
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Tom was a classmate and neighbor in Hamilton Park.
Barry Reinhart
March 19, 2023
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Tom was a sweet, sweet man! I loved working with him at Wegman’s. He brightened my workdays and he will be missed.
Regina Dagen
- Visitation
- Friday, April 14, 2023
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- St. Joseph Catholic Church
- 440 St. Joseph Street
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, April 14, 2023
- 11:00 AM
- St. Joseph Catholic Church
- 440 St. Joseph St.
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
