Stephen Vermilya, 64, of Grover, Pa. passed away at home unexpectedly on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2018.
Born to the late Glenford Charles and J. Marlene (Calkins) Vermilya, Stephen Glenford Vermilya was born Nov. 9, 1953 in Sayre, Pa. After graduating from Canton High School in 1971, he attended Williamsport Area Community College for studies as a heavy equipment mechanic. In earlier years, Steve developed his talents as a local musician, singer and songwriter performing from the age of 11 with groups such as The Green Mist, The Messengers, Steel Sun and Spice of Life. Music was always his passion throughout his life and later became his means to connect with others spiritually with the group Malachi and his family ministry eventually leading to his solo album, “He’s Alive” in 1986. Steve was a proud patriot serving his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1972 to 1976 where he was notably one of only three Marines to ever receive musical orders to entertain the troops while deployed. On Mar. 18, 1978, he married the former Judy Mills in Jacksonville, NC. In 1981, Steve and his family returned to Pennsylvania where he spent the next 15 years working alongside his father, Glenford, in their family owned and operated business, Vermilya’s Milk Hauling, which he continued after his father’s passing until 2007. He also dedicated 15 years to the Canton Ambulance Association as an EMT and driver and later worked for Cudd, Inc driving truck and working in the accounting department, where he retired in 2015.
Born to the late Glenford Charles and J. Marlene (Calkins) Vermilya, Stephen Glenford Vermilya was born Nov. 9, 1953 in Sayre, Pa. After graduating from Canton High School in 1971, he attended Williamsport Area Community College for studies as a heavy equipment mechanic. In earlier years, Steve developed his talents as a local musician, singer and songwriter performing from the age of 11 with groups such as The Green Mist, The Messengers, Steel Sun and Spice of Life. Music was always his passion throughout his life and later became his means to connect with others spiritually with the group Malachi and his family ministry eventually leading to his solo album, “He’s Alive” in 1986. Steve was a proud patriot serving his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1972 to 1976 where he was notably one of only three Marines to ever receive musical orders to entertain the troops while deployed. On Mar. 18, 1978, he married the former Judy Mills in Jacksonville, NC. In 1981, Steve and his family returned to Pennsylvania where he spent the next 15 years working alongside his father, Glenford, in their family owned and operated business, Vermilya’s Milk Hauling, which he continued after his father’s passing until 2007. He also dedicated 15 years to the Canton Ambulance Association as an EMT and driver and later worked for Cudd, Inc driving truck and working in the accounting department, where he retired in 2015.
Steve’s life was guided by his faith in the Lord and he was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Grover. He was the 2nd Vice Commander of American Legion Post 303 in Canton and volunteered with the Honor Guard performing funeral services for fellow veteran’s burials. Foremost, Steve was a devoted family man. He enjoyed many interests including his ministry of God’s love in his life, restoring old tractors, riding motorcycles and RVing.
In addition to Judy, his beloved wife of 40 years, surviving are his sister, Suzanne (Richard) Vermilya-McFaul of Bremen, Maine, five children, Stephen Grant (Michelle) Vermilya of Cedar City, Utah, Erik John Kling of Roaring Branch, Sondra Kay (Scott) Hammond of Spanish Fork, Utah, Jeremy Jacob Vermilya of Grover and Celeste Alaine (John) Brucklacher of Liberty; 17 grandchildren, Braxton, Braydon, Canyon and Oakley Jo Ferguson; Trinity, Braydon, Dakota and Kaiden Hammond; Balazs and Dominick Vermilya; Viktoria Vermilya; Shawn Petersen and Kelly Zambrano; McKenna and Riley Kling; Abby and John “Jeb” Brucklacher; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. Also noted is his “adopted” daughter, Lisa Krise, and his two beloved dogs, Anika and Chloe.
Steve was predeceased by his father Glenford in 1996, mother Marlene in 2010 and his brother John Vermilya in 1974. Family invited friends to call between 6 and 8 p.m. on. Tuesday, Nov. 6, and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at Pepper Funeral Home & Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Dr., Canton.
At noon on Wednesday, Rev. Richard Leonard and Rev. Duane Taylor officiated a memorial service in celebration of Steve’s life with full military honors accorded at the funeral home. Burial will be in Grover Cemetery at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Nevus Outreach, Inc. at 600 SE Delaware Ave. Suite 200 in Bartlesville, OK 74003. Please make a note that the donation is to be made in the name of John “Jeb” Brucklacher, IV who is the grandson of Judy and Steve Vermilya and son of Celeste and John Brucklacher, III.
In addition to Judy, his beloved wife of 40 years, surviving are his sister, Suzanne (Richard) Vermilya-McFaul of Bremen, Maine, five children, Stephen Grant (Michelle) Vermilya of Cedar City, Utah, Erik John Kling of Roaring Branch, Sondra Kay (Scott) Hammond of Spanish Fork, Utah, Jeremy Jacob Vermilya of Grover and Celeste Alaine (John) Brucklacher of Liberty; 17 grandchildren, Braxton, Braydon, Canyon and Oakley Jo Ferguson; Trinity, Braydon, Dakota and Kaiden Hammond; Balazs and Dominick Vermilya; Viktoria Vermilya; Shawn Petersen and Kelly Zambrano; McKenna and Riley Kling; Abby and John “Jeb” Brucklacher; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. Also noted is his “adopted” daughter, Lisa Krise, and his two beloved dogs, Anika and Chloe.
Steve was predeceased by his father Glenford in 1996, mother Marlene in 2010 and his brother John Vermilya in 1974. Family invited friends to call between 6 and 8 p.m. on. Tuesday, Nov. 6, and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at Pepper Funeral Home & Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Dr., Canton.
At noon on Wednesday, Rev. Richard Leonard and Rev. Duane Taylor officiated a memorial service in celebration of Steve’s life with full military honors accorded at the funeral home. Burial will be in Grover Cemetery at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Nevus Outreach, Inc. at 600 SE Delaware Ave. Suite 200 in Bartlesville, OK 74003. Please make a note that the donation is to be made in the name of John “Jeb” Brucklacher, IV who is the grandson of Judy and Steve Vermilya and son of Celeste and John Brucklacher, III.
