Stephen P. Kienzl

On July 11, 2022, Stephen Perry Kienzl went peacefully surrounded by loved ones to his rest with the Lord. Born August 16, 1946, Steve was the eldest son of the late Raymond and Rose Kienzl; beloved husband for forty years of his "Pearl," Jean (Humphrey) Kienzl; inspirational father of Melissa Petrilak, Gregory Kienzl, Krystal (Brad) Schulte, and Carol (A.J.) Laugelli; proud grandfather of Braden Petrilak, Noah Schulte, Jeana Schulte, Joey Laugelli, and Alaina Laugelli, who knew him as their Grandpa "Jedi Master"; and cherished brother of Gerard (Betty) Kienzl and Deborah (Bob) Popp.

A Hazelwood native, Steve graduated from Gladstone High School then received a baseball scholarship to attend the University of Pittsburgh. While at Pitt, Steve earned his degree in education and the honor of his name on the school's Athletic Hall of Fame as the team's starting shortstop. Later, Steve served as a physical education teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and in the West Mifflin Area School District for thirty-two years. Upon retirement, he joined the SEIU Local 188 working at the PPG Paints Arena and as the customer service supervisor at the Peterson Events Center where he was known for the homemade cookies and salsa he often brought in for his colleagues. Pursuing his lifelong passion for sports, Steve became a softball umpire in 1968. During his fifty-one years in this role, Steve was proud to have umpired three PIAA high school state championships and countless collegiate level games. Steve was also a football official starting in 1969 and continuing for forty-three years, during which time he officiated two WPIAL championships at Heinz Field. When not on the field himself, Steve would often be coaching or traveling to watch the softball games of his daughters. Besides his love of athletics, Steve enjoyed traveling around the country and overseas with his wife, building model train displays, gardening in his backyard, eating Hungarian food, and going to the movies (with his refillable popcorn tub, of course). With Steve's creative flair and clever sense of humor, it was easy for him to connect with all people. Steve will be dearly missed, but he leaves behind a legacy that includes a brilliant mind, charismatic personality, and beautiful family. Just like Johnny Mathis says in one of Steve's favorite songs, he will be loved and remembered "until the twelfth of never and that's a long, long time."

Family and friends are welcome, with the request of wearing masks, on Thursday, July 14, 2022 from 2-4, 7-9pm at George Irvin Green Funeral Home, 3511 Main Street, Munhall, 15120 (412-461-6394). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Holy Angels Church, Friday, July 15, 2022 at 10:30 am.

 Memorial contributions to the “University of Pittsburgh General Scholarship Fund” in memory of Stephen P. Kienzl can be made online at www.giveto.pitt.edu. The online gift form allows you to indicate who your gift will honor or memorialize.