Stephen C. Dvorak

Stephen Charles Dvorak of Westfield NJ passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, June 27, 2011. He was 89 years old. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Phillips Dvorak, and nieces and nephews (Caroline Yates of Rochester, NY, Robert Dvorak of Babylon, NY and Barbara Kothe, of Waxhaw, NC). He is pre-deceased by his first wife, Florine O. Dvorak in 1985. Stephen Dvorak was born on January 15, 1922 in the Bronx, NY and attended Townsend Harris High School (class of 1939). Stephen graduated from Webb Institute of Naval Architecture in 1950 with a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. During World War II Stephen was the first student at Webb to leave for service in the US Army, serving as a technician from 1942-1946. He received a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University in 1956. Throughout his career in marine engineering, Stephen worked for NY Shipbuilding Corp., Designers and Planners, JJ Henry Co, the Hoboken Shipyard and Coastal Drydock and Repair. He also established an independent broker/dealer, Stephen Dvorak and Co., and concluded his working years at the Internal Revenue Service. In addition to his career, Stephen had a life-long love of ships, trains and trolley cars. Until recently, he travelled extensively throughout the US and Europe exploring those passions and supporting numerous not-for-profit organizations dedicated to preserving vintage methods of transportation. He was also a devoted alumnus of Webb Institute and kept in close touch with his fellow graduates and the Institute throughout the years. Stephen was a member of the Westfield Presbyterian Church and a Free Mason. A memorial service will be held on August 20 at 11 o'clock am at the Westfield Presbyterian Church, Westfield NJ and there will be a family visiting hour immediately preceding the service at 10 am. Donations may be made in Stephen's memory to the Westfield Presbyterian Church, 140 Mountain Avenue, Westfield NJ 07090. Arrangements by Gray Funeral Home, Westfield.