VOORHEESVILLE — With family by his side, Stephen D. Kinisky died on Saturday, June 19, 2021, after a courageous battle with a lengthy illness. He was 56.

Born in Springville in Erie County, New York, he graduated from Voorheesville’s high school in 1983. He spent some of his working years as a long-haul truck driver and he was also a gifted chef by trade.

“He lived with and took care of his mother for over a decade,” his family wrote in a tribute. “They were the closest of friends and had lots of good times, the best of which was a three-week road trip, visiting our national parks and the Grand Canyon. Steve was a voracious reader and he also wrote some pretty good science fiction!”

He is survived by his siblings, Dot Grimaldi and her husband, Bill, Bill Kinisky, Laurie Kinisky, Don Kinisky and his wife, Kathy, Julie Varney and her husband, Jeff, Bruce Kinisky and his wife, Tina, and a very big extended family of nieces and nephews and many friends who loved him like family.  

His mother, June Catalfu Kinisky, died before him, as did his father, Jim (Sandy) Kinisky.  

“Steve’s family is very grateful to his extraordinary caregivers of the past seven weeks at St. Peter’s Hospital. We praise God for His grace, mercy, and love that nourished us all as Steve prepared to leave this life for the next,” his family wrote. “Words cannot say how much he will be missed. The  family will celebrate his life with a private memorial service.”