Stefan "Steve" Hopta, 93, of Charleston, died Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Hubbard Hospice West after a short illness.

A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church of Charleston on Wednesday, May 20 at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow in the church garden.

Steve was born July 25, 1921, to Julia and Mike Hopta of Leetsdale, Pennsylvania. He was recruited from Leetsdale High School to play football and basketball at Morris Harvey College, and during this time served three years in the Army, stationed in the Pacific Theatre, concluding in Hirsohima, during World War II. He returned and graduated in 1947, and married Ruth Pyles Hopta. She died in 1981.

Steve was hired as a title abstractor for United Fuel Gas Company and retired from Columbia Gas in 1985. He married Othenia Kessel Hopta in 1988.

He served on the Davis Creek Public Service District, was a founding member of the Davis Creek Volunteer Fire Department, was active in the Lions Club and was a member of the Shiners for more than 50 years.

He grew up in the Russian Orthodox faith and became a member of St. Matthews Episcopal Church after marrying Ruth. Steve and Ruth built their home in Davis Creek, where Steve lived for sixty-one years. He was an avid gardener, golfer, photographer, bird watcher and traveler.

He is survived by his wife, Othenia Hopta; son, Stephen Michael Hopta and wife Barbara; granddaughters Bethany Hopta of New York, NY; Emily Hopta and husband Jack Hoblitzell of Charleston, WV; and Kate Hopta and husband Brett Swanson of Punxsutawney, PA; and great-grandaughters Eleanor and Charlotte Hoblitzell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Ruth; and siblings John, Julia, Charles, Mike and Anna.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 36 Norwood Road, Charleston, WV 25314 or Hospice Care of West Virginia, 1606 Kanawha Boulevard West, Charleston, WV 25387.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar