Steven R. Kaftanuk, 63

May 21, 2025

Steven R. Kaftanuk, 63, of Lititz, PA passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. He was the husband of Susan Dreyer Kaftanuk, with whom he would have celebrated 33 years of marriage on May 30th.

Born in Freehold, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Roman and Maria Tokar Kaftanuk. In addition to his wife Susan, he is survived by his sisters: Dorothy (Chipper) Woodall, married to Allen of Cameron Park, CA and Irene Kaftanuk of Amesbury, MA, sister-in-laws Rosemarie Dreyer and Carol Dreyer Bernstein, married to Richard, brother-in-laws, David C Dreyer, married to Rita, and Gerald J Dreyer. Nephews and nieces include Aric Woodall, Jessica Cioffi, Christopher Cioffi, Katie Bernstein, Greg Bernstein, Dan Bernstein, and Paul Dreyer. Great nieces and nephews include Blake Leigh Woodall, Ace Gene Woodall, Tennessee Forsyth, Shepherd Forsyth, Palmer Forsyth, and Ella Bernstein.

Steve loved books that told stories in pictures. He was very visually oriented. He had an affinity for architecture. He had two favorite architects: Buckminster Fuller (Geodesic Dome) and Frank Lloyd Wright. Steve enjoyed a trip with his wife, Sue, to Ohio Pyle, Pennsylvania, where he visited Fallingwater, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s exceptional organic architectural creations. Early in Steve’s career of graphic arts and design, he worked for an architectural firm where he designed five organic architectural homes in New Jersey.

Steve enjoyed and spent much of his spare time on home and auto repair/improvement projects. He was known to many as “Mr. Fix It”! He problem solved and fixed anything and everything at his own home as well as tackling projects for family and friends. He took great pride in his home and landscaping.

Music was a constant throughout Steve’s life. From bygone days of playing lead guitar in a band with friends in Freehold, NJ, enjoying countless concerts, to filling his home with a wide spectrum of songs and musical genres; music resonated within his heart and soul.

He adored his golden retrievers, enjoyed politics, and was a huge Las Vegas/Oakland Raiders fan. He loved nature walks, hikes, beach trips with his wife, along with time spent on his brother-in-law’s farm. He was especially proud of and loved his Ukrainian heritage.

Steve worked in the graphic arts design and printing profession since he was 24 working for WebCraft Technologies, Pride Graphics, and 17 years at RR Donnelly.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation in Steve’s memory to a cause close to his heart: 1) Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue, Reinholds, PA, 2) First Fruits Farm, Freeland, MD.