Lesniowski, Stephen
Stephen Lesniowski, age 83, of Check, VA, went to be with the Lord on May 1, 2026. He was a man of faith, tireless work ethic, and boundless love for his family. To those who knew him, Stephen was more than a husband, father, and grandfather—he was the steady foundation and the “heart of our world.”
Stephen lived a life guided by his devotion to God, beginning every morning in quiet prayer. His kindness was quiet but constant; he was the type of person who saw a need and fulfilled it without being asked. A truly hard worker, he poured his soul into everything he did to provide for those he loved.
Stephen found his greatest happiness in the company of others. Whether traveling with his beloved wife, Pat, to visit family and friends or simply sitting down for a meal, he cherished every moment of connection. He was famously known for his love of food, often finishing one meal only to ask with a smile, “What are we eating next?”
An avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, Stephen never missed a chance to cheer on his team. He shared a lifelong bond with his childhood friend, Roy Briggs, always looking forward to their calls, visits, and cruises. At home, he found peace in the simple things: relaxing at the end of the day with a show, while his wife petted his arm until he drifted off to sleep.
Above all, Ja Jai adored his “grand boys.” He cherished every moment spent with them, especially the competitive and laughter-filled games of Rummy.
Stephen was preceded in death by his son, Mark Lesniowski; his parents, Stephen and Eleanor Lesniowski; his brother, Bobby Lesniowski; special cousins, Leonard Lesniowski and Richard Bonk; brother-in-law, Tom McCormick; and sisters-in-law, Susan Draus, Nancy Miller, and Gail Ross.
His legacy of love lives on through his survivors:
• His Wife of 58 years: Pat Ross Lesniowski
• His Children: Stephen R. Lesniowski (Olivia) and Miah Cooke (Ben)
• His Grandchildren: Ethan, Dylan, and Hunter Cooke, and Fiadora Gucciardo
• His Sisters: Linda Hesbacker (Fran) and Wanda McCormick
• In-Laws: Laura Ross (Spahr), Rob Miller, and John Draus
• Dear Friends: Roy and Rita Briggs, and Rhonda and Michael Daiber
• Special Niece & Cousin: Lara Kerr and Connie Ziegler
He also leaves behind a large, loving circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends across Tennessee, New Jersey, and Virginia.
Service Information: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Gardner Funeral Home
202 East Oxford Street
Floyd Va 24091
The family will receive friends and family from 12:00-2:00
Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM with Pastor Darren Landon officiating.
Interment will follow in Huffville Cemetery.
1078 Huffville Rd NE
Pilot, VA 24138
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:
Haven’s Chapel United Methodist Church.
3375 Daniels Run Rd., Check, VA 24072
If you wish to send flowers, please support our local florist: Blue Ridge Florist, at 540-745-3655 or via their website at Floydflorist.com.”
A Final Farewell
Our hearts are breaking as we return to a home that feels far too quiet without his voice. We don’t yet know how to navigate a world without him, but we carry his memory in every prayer and every family gathering. He will be missed beyond measure.
