Stephen J. Sendzik, age 73, of Philadelphia, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022 in his home with his children by his side.
He was born in Point Pleasant, NJ and spent his formative years in Brick, NJ. Stephen “Steve” was a standout high school quarterback—both in stature and athletic ability—who graduated from Brick Township High School in 1967.
Steve was recruited and went on to play college football at Temple University, where he also received his Bachelor in Business Administration, and later went on to pursue a Master in Special Education from Antioch College.
Steve was a charismatic man of many talents and business pursuits. After beginning his career as a teacher in the Philadelphia Public School system in the 1970s, he eventually switched career paths and started a successful real estate business, with a Philadelphia office based in Roxborough. Steve was a creative entrepreneur and first opened and owned the iconic Grape Street Pub, a now-defunct live music venue based in Manayunk.
In his last decades, Steve traveled the country and built playgrounds in underprivileged communities. Not quite retired, Steve was a property investor, and maintained a successful property inspection business for commercial bank loans. Especially devoted to his family and friends, Steve had a sharp wit and cared deeply for others. A food lover, he was always eager to discover new restaurants in Philadelphia. Steve enjoyed hiking, traveling, golf, riding his bike along Kelly Drive in East Falls, and had fond memories of trips with his family to Gettysburg and Point Pleasant boardwalk.
He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Virginia Sendzik, and his older brother Jay Conway Sendzik. Surviving is his daughter Amanda Sendzik; his daughter and son-in-law Alyssa and Alex Spanos; his son and daughter-in-law Alex and Autumn Sendzik; and three grandchildren whom he loved dearly—Julian Sendzik, Emerson Spanos, and Meyer Sendzik.
Visitation will be Thursday March 31, 2022 from 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. at West Laurel Hill Funeral Home, 225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA. A Graveside Service will be held Friday April 1, 2022 at 11:30 A.M. at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, PA. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia or the MPN Research Foundation