Obituary of August M. Stepura

August M. (Augie) Stepura,91,of Golden Living Center in Shippenville, and formerly of Lucinda, died late Monday night, February 1, 2010 at Clarion Hospital. Born June 21, 1918 in New York City, he was the son of Peter and Anna Zolmeraga Stepura. He was married to the former Bernice Judy whom he married on November 29, 1958 in Washington, D.C. and she preceded him in death on December 16, 1987. Mr. Stepura graduated from Textile High School in New York City. He moved to the Washington D.C. area in the 1940's. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 22, 1943. During WW II, he was an official U.S. Combat Photographer for the Signal Corp E.T.O. and received numerous campaign battle stars. He was honorably discharged from service on December 5, 1945. He attended NY School of Industrial Arts, George Washington University, Catholic University and the Department of Agriculture School, all in Washington, D.C. Mr. Stepura was a photographer for the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Interior. At the Smithsonian Institute, he was the Chief of the Film Library in the Office of Printing and Photographic Services. He also worked in the National Museum of American History Building. Mr. Stepura retired on June 30, 1975 and moved from Takoma Park, Maryland to Lucinda in July of 1975. He was a member of St. Joseph Church in Lucinda and the Men's Society. He was a member of the Clarion American Legion. He was an avid photographer, golfer, square dancer with the Lucky Twirlers and Fiddle-a Rounds and enjoyed acrylic and water color painting. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Stepura was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Michael Stepura and Stanley Stepura. Mr. Stepura is survived by several nieces and nephews in this area and across the U.S. Friends and family may call on Wednesday, February 3, from 7 - 9 and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. at the Borland Funeral Home, Inc. in Leeper. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 4, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Lucinda, with Rev. William C. Miller, pastor of the church, as celebrant. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to St. Joseph Church in Lucinda.