Stephen “Steve” John Wichtacz

Stephen “Steve” John Wichtacz was born on November 10^th, 1946 in Noranda, Québec. He was the first child of Sylvester “Silver” and Anne (née Lilek) Wichtacz. He died peacefully on Wednesday, August 7^th, 2024 in London, Ontario. He was 77 years old.

Early in his life, Steve developed an avid interest in popular music, the stock market, mining and prospecting. He was a diehard fan of les Canadiens de Montréal.

Steve was particularly fond of music from the earliest days of rock and roll and possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of that period’s artists, record labels and trivia. As a sales clerk in the area’s largest record store, he delighted customers by being able to find and retrieve records from the store’s vast inventory with only the most basic information…part of an artist’s name, or a word or two from a song’s title.

Steve’s interest in music was eclectic. In the 70s he became enamoured with disco and worked nights as a disc jockey at the Alpine Club, a popular Noranda night spot. His fascination with the genre earned him the nickname “Disco Steve”, a moniker of affection used by his family for the rest of his life.

In 1977, Steve moved to Toronto and became a driver for a courier company. When the firm was purchased by Federal Express, he went on to become one of its most reliable and dedicated employees. With an unblemished driving record, over 25 years of service, Steve received numerous awards from Federal Express recognizing his contributions to the company.

Steve often presented a gruff exterior to those who didn’t know him and sometimes to those who did. Despite appearances, Steve had a good heart. He was a devout Catholic and contributed generously to the Church.

A lifelong bachelor, Steve never took vacation during the summer. While his seniority and safety record meant that his choices for vacation time would be prioritized over any of the other drivers, he felt, because they had wives and families, the summer period was more important to them. And again, while not demonstrative, he delighted in following the progress and achievements of his nieces and nephews.

Steve was predeceased by his sister Mary-Anne (née Wichtacz) St-Cyr in 1985. He is survived by his sisters: Sylvia (née Wichtacz) Paternosto, Elizabeth (née Wichtacz) Krancevic, Anne (née Wichtacz) Martin; his brother Michael Wichtacz; their spouses; and nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Steve was a humble and simple man who lived a quiet life. He will be missed.

Visitation will take place on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Divine Parish, 390 Base Line Road West, London on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to take place at Cimetière Notre-Dame, Royan-Noranda, Quebec on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Steve are asked to consider the ALS Canada.