Obituary of Stephen Sumsky

Visitation at 9:00 AM Stephen "Big Steve" Sumsky Steve passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at the age of 63. A long time Olympia resident, Steve owned SRS Insurance Marketing Services. He was also active in the the US Marine Corps League. In his younger years, Steve worked on a concrete crew, a crab boat in Alaska, as a logger in the woods and was a long time member of The International Union of Operating Engineers. Steve was a big man with an even bigger heart. Gathering Toys for Tots was one of the charitable activities he looked forward to each year at Christmas time. He felt very moved about his experience with a youngster he helped in the "Make a Wish Foundation." Steve was known for bringing donuts, candy and treats to those people he interacted with at businesses around town. He had many insurance clients who became close friends because of the concern he had for them. He always seemed to leave his appointments with a homemade pie or cake, baked specially for him. Steve had a remarkable knowledge of history, especially of WWII, remembering campaigns, battles and the soldiers who fought. He often reunited men who served together years after their tours of duty. His incredible memory also extended to old movies and songs from the 20's, 30's and 40's. He loved the big bands, old time jazz and dixieland music. If you wanted to know who starred in an old movie or when it was made, Steve was your indisputable source. He truly had an amazing memory! Steve was never shy about expressing his opinion on any subject, especially politics. Everyone who knew him understood that he didn't "sugar-coat" his feelings. While he could have an intimidating presence, he was a teddy bear inside. He loved his little nieces, nephews and cousins, always wanting to talk with them on the phone. Steve was born in Oak Park, IL on July 12, 1947 and moved west in his late teens. He is preceded in death by his parents, S. Stephen and Dorothy Mary (Palgowski) Sumsky. He is survived by brothers, Don (Sue) of Shelton, WA; Robert (Carol) of Wheaton, IL; and a sister, Eileen (Bob, Steve's best friend) Josack of Birmingham, AL. His nephews include Michael (Jessica), Rob (Johanna), Terry (Kathy), Rob, Ken (Karen) and Derek and his niece, Jennifer (Josh). He is also remembered by many very close cousins and relatives in the midwest. Please leave condolences by clicking "View Guestbook" below.