Stephen "Ko" Kvitkovich

Stephen Kvitkovich (K.O.), age 62, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center after an 11-year battle with cancer. Born in Spangler, Pennsylvania, Stephen was the son of Joseph and Ursula Kvitkovich.                                                                                           Stephen moved to St. Johns in 1979 with his wife, Marjorie, who survives him. The couple shared 38 wonderful years of marriage. Stephen had been a dedicated employee at the Salt River Project/Coronado Generating Station, where he was a mechanic for 35 years before retiring in 2014.   He was a very active member of his community. Stephen was a lector at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in St. Johns and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was devoted to the church and had volunteered as a bingo caller for many years. A veteran of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army Reserves, Stephen served in the Gulf War. He was the commander-in-chief of American Legion Arizona Post #31 in St. Johns. Stephen will be remembered as a patriot who always kept the American flag flying, a true American hero. Stephen enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, swimming, playing cards, playing raffles and the lottery, and of course a good rum and coke! He was a high-spirited person, the best friend you could ask for and gave awesome hugs and backrubs.                                                                                          Stephen is also survived by his children, Matthew and Merissa (Ricardo Rivera); grandchildren, Jaida, Matthew and Jazleen Brown, Jamaine Russell, Jr. and Makayla, Maximino and Ricardo Jr. Rivera and siblings, James (Jacqueline), David, Ann Nelson (Larry Smeija), and Regina, and many nieces and nephews.                                                                                                          Stephen was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John.                                                                                                    Friends will be received at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, St. Johns, Friday, May 5, 2017 where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held also at the church, Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. A memorial service will be held in Stephen’s hometown of Hastings, Pennsylvania, Saturday, May 27, 2017.