Stephan (Steve) Plonka passed away Saturday, June 25, 2022 at U.P.M.C. Magee Hospital after stomach cancer complications.
Born in Berbling, Germany, April 17, 1945, during closing weeks of WWII to the late Stephan and Leokadia Plonka, forced Polish farm laborers.
Steve and his family immigrated to Western Pennsylvania where he graduated from Kiski Area High School and joined the U.S. Air Force. He served 4 years including one year in Thailand during the Vietnam War era.
Steve loved America and was very proud to serve his adopted country.
Upon returning from military service, he enrolled in Penn State, New Kensington Campus, obtaining an Associate Degree in Engineering. From there he was hired by Dravo Corp., working there for 37 years when he retired to spend time doing his favorite hobby, fishing.
Steve is also a retired member of Monaca VFD#4, serving 37 years, many as Secretary before his retirement from the station.
In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his brother Joseph.
Steve is survived by his wife Irene, son Walter and his partner Scott, son Michael, and foster son Thomas Medaglia.
Steve is also survived by a sister-in-law Loretta Beaver, brother-in-law John Bliazes and his wife Patricia, nephews Dr. Warren Beaver and wife Christine, Gregory Beaver and his wife Rebecca, Jacob Beaver and wife Amy, nieces Karen McMann, and Deborah Armel, and many great nieces, nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received Friday, July 1, 2022, from 3-5 pm and 6-8 pm at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, PA. (724) 728 4000. On Saturday, July 2, a funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church 1409 Pennsylvania Ave., Monaca with interment and military honors in St. John’s Cemetery immediately afterwards. A luncheon will follow at the church. The Monaca Fire Department will conduct a Firemen’s Service on Friday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, don can be made in Steve’s name, to St. John the Baptist Church.
To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Stephan Plonka, please visit our Tribute Store.