Stephen D Gurnis

Stephen D. Gurnis (iewicz), of Hartsdale, NY died peacefully at home on August 31, 2012 at age 97. He was born September 19, 1914 in Maspeth, NY to Stephen and Stephanie Budzynska Gurnisiewicz. They emigrated from Poland to the United States through Ellis Island. He grew up in Croton Falls, NY and the family moved to White Plains, NY in 1929 where he graduated from White Plains High School in 1933. The family name was shortened in 1940. He served in the Army during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. He married Helen Santocki on April 12, 1947. They moved to Hartsdale, NY in 1953. She passed away on June 14, 1979. He was employed as a parts manager for Larkin Chevrolet which became Soundview Chevrolet in New Rochelle, NY until his retirement in 1980. In 1979 and 1980 General Motors awarded him trips to Mexico and Hawaii due to his volume of parts sales. He enjoyed tennis and bowling for many years. He was an avid gardener supplying his household and others with a wide variety of produce. He enjoyed vacationing and hiking in the Catskills at Winter Clove Inn for over 40 years with his family. For many years he accompanied his daughter to watch her compete in dog obedience. He is predeceased by his brother Witold Gurnis, his sister Mary G. Rybinsky, and his sister Henrietta G. Kalle. He is survived by his daughter Jeanne P. Gurnis of Hartsdale, NY, his son Stephen D. Gurnis and his grandson Michael S. Gurnis of Sussex, NJ and his niece Helen Deverin of Northampton, PA. Visitation will be at the Ballard-Durand Funeral Home in White Plains, NY on Tuesday, September 4, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, September 5, at 11 am at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and sent to his son, Stephen D. Gurnis, 25 Lake Wallkill Rd, Sussex, NJ 07461 or to Therapy Dogs International, 88 Bartley Rd, Flanders, NJ 07836.