Joseph "Steve" Stephen Osieczonek

In Loving Memory of

Joseph Stephen “Steve” Osieczonek

August 14, 1940 – May 20, 2025

“Papa Honey” – A life devoted to love, service, and storytelling

Joseph “Steve” Osieczonek peacefully passed away in his home, surrounded by those he loved most, on May 20, 2025, in Petaluma, California. He was 84 years old.

Steve was born on August 14, 1940, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, to Joseph Stanley Osieczonek and June Dorothy Bunn. He attended Kingsford High School in Kingsford, Michigan, where he was an avid skier and a proud member of the Kingsford Ski Club. As a teenager, he also competed on the Copper Mountain Ski Jump team in Iron Mountain.

In 1958, Steve left high school to join the United States Marine Corps, following in his father’s footsteps. He served with honor as a Lance Corporal, including a tour of duty aboard the USS Ranger, and was later stationed in Oceanside, California.

On November 26, 1960, Steve married the love of his life, Yvonne Dolores Osieczonek, in San Francisco, CA. They made their home in Corte Madera, where Steve began his post-military career as a carpenter. He later became a driver for Greyhound Bus Lines, a position he held until his retirement.

Steve and Yvonne raised two children, Stephen Luis Osieczonek and Yvette Marie Dolcini. The family eventually settled in Petaluma, CA, while maintaining close ties to their Michigan roots.

A dedicated member of the Petaluma community, Steve—along with Yvonne—was active in the Petaluma Lions Club and instrumental in the founding of C.O.T.S. (Committee on the Shelterless). He also volunteered at the Petaluma Homeless Shelter and worked for the Petaluma People Services Center as a para-transit bus driver.

One of Steve’s proudest community contributions was his role in the creation of the Evergreen Garden at the Lucchesi Senior Center, completed in November 1996 and dedicated to the memory of his grandson, Jonathan Dolcini. Spearheaded by Steve and Yvonne and supported by the local community and the Parks and Recreation Department, the garden earned the 1998 California Parks and Recreation Aging Section Community Partnership Award.

Steve had a deep love for music, especially the classics, country, and the great standards of his time. He enjoyed WWII films and classic Westerns from the 1940s and ’50s. A passionate reader, he was often found in his favorite chair or in the backyard with a good book—usually something on military history.

After Yvonne became ill, Steve selflessly devoted himself to her care for many years until her passing. In retirement, he embraced the RV lifestyle, frequently traveling back to Michigan in his beloved 1994 Monterey Cobra Class A Motorhome to visit family and lifelong friends.

A lifelong DIY enthusiast, Steve was always working on a project—or helping others with theirs. He had a strong passion for airplanes and flying and regularly attended the EAA AirVenture Air Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Though he once dreamed of becoming a pilot, he chose instead to fully commit to his role as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Known for his quick wit, storytelling, and endless supply of jokes, Steve especially enjoyed reading the funnies with his great-grandson, Corbin. To his family, he was lovingly known as “Papa Honey” or simply “Papa.” He helped raise his two children, his beautiful and precious granddaughter, Sydney, and his cherished great-grandson, Corbin—three generations of beloved children in his Petaluma home. He was a constant source of comfort, strength, and unconditional love.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Yvonne Dolores Osieczonek; his parents, Joseph Stanley Osieczonek and Dorothy June Matson; his sister, Janice Pietrantonio; and his cherished grandson, Jonathan Harry Dolcini.

He is survived by his son, Stephen Luis Osieczonek; his daughter, Yvette Marie Dolcini; his granddaughter, Sydney Yvette Dolcini; his great-grandson, Corbin Jonathan Dolcini; and his sister, Judith S. Clifton of Manistique, MI.

Steve lived a life full of service, laughter, and love—and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

 "Remember When You Go" by Rebecca Puig

Remember when you go into the world to
keep your eyes and ears wide open.
And be kind.
Love one another.
Take care of each other.
Tell the truth.
Always do your best.
Listen to the big people and the little people.
Explore new paths and have fun.
Know that you are loved like crazy.
Give thanks for all your blessings.
Above all else,
Love and you will do
wonderful things in this world.

 "How Grateful I Would Be to Have Just One More Day" by Kathy J. Parenteau

If I could have just one more day and
wishes did come true,
I’d spend every glorious moment
side by side with you.
Recalling all the years we shared
and memories we made,
how grateful I would be
to have just one more day.
Where the tears I’ve shed are
not in vain and only fall in bliss,
so many things I’d let you know
about the days you’ve missed.
I wouldn’t have to make pretend
you never went away,
how grateful I would be to
have just one more day.
When that day came to a close
and the sun began to set,
a million times I’d let you know
I never will forget.
The heart of gold you left behind
when you entered Heaven’s gate,
how grateful I would be to
have just one more day.

 "Not, How Did He Die, But How Did He Live?," Unknown

Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of his birth.
Nor what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with words of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away?

. "After Glow" by Unknown

I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an after glow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun
of happy memories
that I leave when life is done

58. "#34" by rupi kaur

most importantly love
like it’s the only thing you know how
at the end of the day all this
means nothing
this page
where you’re sitting
your degree
your job
the money
nothing even matters
except love and human connection
who you loved
and how deeply you loved them
how you touched the people around you
and how much you gave them

68. "My Symphony" by William Henry Channing

To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury,
and refinement rather than fashion,
to be worthy, not respectable,
and wealthy, not rich;
to study hard, think quietly,
talk gently, act frankly,
to listen to stars and birds,
to babes and sages,
with open heart,
to bear all cheerfully,
to all bravely await occasions,
hurry never.
In a word, to let the spiritual unbidden
and unconscious grow up through the common.
This is to be my symphony.

"When I'm Gone" by Lyman Hancock

When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile

Forget unkind words I have spoken
Remember some good I have done
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I’ve had loads of fun

Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day

Then forget to grieve for my going
I would not have you sad for a day
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay

And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.

73. "For Katrina's Sun Dial" by Henry Van Dyke

Time is too slow for those who wait,
Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice,
But for those who love, time is
Eternity.

5. "Fallen Limb" by Unknown

A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me”.
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes we’re together again.

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