Obituary

Steve "Coach" Padjen, 87, of Hanover, PA, entered into God's eternal care, Thursday, January 20, 2011 at the Homewood at Plum Creek Nursing Center.

Born February 23, 1923 in Steelton, PA, he was the son of the late Andrew and Anna (Yazavic) Padjen. Steve was the loving husband of the late Betty (Dewees) Padjen who died November 5, 1998.

Steve was a graduate of Steelton High School in 1941. He graduated from Dickinson College in 1948 with his B.A. in Education, and received his Masters in Education and Principal Certificate from Western Maryland College now known as McDaniel College.

Steve was a veteran of The United States Army, having served his country proudly during World War II, where he was awarded the American Theater Service Medal, the East African Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal with 2 bronze stars, WW II Victory Medal as well as the Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of the Harold H. Bair, Post 14, American Legion, Hanover, PA.

Steve taught at Hanover High School for 37 years and also held the positions of Athletic Director and Assistant Principal. He was the Head Football Coach for 11 years from 1955 to 1966 and had many championship teams, and was honored to coach the Big 33 Game in 1963. His devotion to athletics also included being a member of the South Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Sports Hall of Fame, the Capital Area Sports Hall of Fame, former member of the Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania State Sports Hall of Fame, and the PIAA District 3 Committee Chairman for football.

Steve was an active member of Grace United Church of Christ Hanover, PA. He taught Sunday School for 30 years, was the former Chairman of the Pre School, Chaired the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, and was a former Church Trustee, and was a member of the Methodist Men.

Steve was a former member of The Hanover Red Cross Board, The Hanover VNA Board, and a former Hanover Borough Councilman. He was also very active in the Hanover Area Council of Churches.

Steve's willingness to give back to his community lead him to being awarded the Hanover Exchange Club's Golden Deeds Award in 2005.

Steve is survived by two daughters, Betty G. Klunk and Deborah J, Hansford both of Hanover, PA, 3 grandchildren, Kevin Klunk, Allyson Hansford, Mark Hansford, one great granddaughter, Riley Klunk, three brothers, Samuel Padjen of Camp Hill, PA, Andrew Padjen of Shiremanstown, PA, and George Padjen of Bethlehem, PA, and one sister, Anna Shepler of Harrisburg, PA. He was preceded in death by one sister Kathryn Deibler.

A viewing and time to share memories with the family will be held from 1 " 5 PM, Sunday, January 23, 2011 at the Kenworthy Funeral Home, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA. Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Hanover, PA.