Stephen R. Baron, Jr., age 78, of West Bend, died on Tuesday, November 14, 2006, in his residence surrounded by his loved ones, after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer.
Stephen was born on June 22, 1928 in Flushing, New York to the late Stephen Robert Baron, Sr. and Mercedes M. Posthauer Baron. At age 14, he entered the U.S. Navy under age and served his country during WWII.
On May 25, 1951, he married Theresa Mende. The two leave behind a wonderful legacy of eleven children: Regina (Armen) Melkonian of Baldwin, NY, Susan Baron of Sanford, FL, Stephen (Darlene) Baron of Bayside, NY, Robert Baron of Queens, NY, Timothy Baron of Robinson, IL, Andrew (Lois) Baron of New Hyde Park, NY, Thomas (Deborah) Baron of Bethpage, NY, Mary (Michael) Farrell of West Bend, WI, Anne (Mark) Houseman of Huntersville, NC, Nancy (Jon) Rose of West Bend, WI, and Therese (Brian) Hansen of West Bend, WI; sixteen grandchildren: Tara (Eric) Tilstra, Mary (Daniel) Hillman, Steven, Michael and Jonathan Baron, Alex and Faith Baron, Tyler and Casey Baron, Christina Baron, Michael and Theresa Farrell, Robert and Benjamin Houseman, Gabrielle and Seth Rose; and one great-grandchild, Isabella Tilstra.
He is survived by all of his eleven children, seventeen grandchildren and one great grandchild and his brother, Charles (Kathy) Baron, and sisters, Roberta (Mark) Altman and Joanne (Bill) Antoinides.
Our father led a colorful and adventurous life. After serving in the military, he went on to finish high school and attended the Colorado School of Mines where he became a Metallurgist. However, his first passion in life was following in his father-in-law's footsteps and becoming a New York City Fireman with Engine 2 Company. After becoming disabled in the line of duty, he beat all odds and went on to become a top welder in his field. He traveled extensively throughout the world providing training and technical assistance on welding techniques. He retired in 1994.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa Mende Baron, in 1994. After the death of his wife, he met his beloved companion, Ruth Wysocki, whom he has been with ever since.
Stephen was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Loyal Order of the Moose, Knights of Columbus Society, and was a member and past president of the American Welding Society, Long Island Chapter. He also enjoyed his time volunteering for the Salvation Army of Washington County as a bell ringer during the holiday season.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home in West Bend on Thursday, November 16 from 4:00 to 7:30 pm, concluding with a Knights of Columbus service and Vigil service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in West Bend. A lunch will follow at the VFW Post in West Bend.
In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated and will be donated to several charities of Stephen's and the family's choice.