Carthage - Stephen J. Siedlecki, 66, of 222 State St., died Friday, September 25, 2015, in St. Joseph's Hospital, Syracuse after being stricken Thursday at his residence.

Steve was born in Carthage on May 5, 1949, the son of the late Stanley and Beverly White Siedlecki. He was a 1967 graduate of Carthage Central High School and was a member of the 1966 undefeated Comets football team. He attended University of Northern Colorado on a football scholarship where he played fullback and linebacker. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1970 – 1974 during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged and then completed his bachelor's degree at University of South Florida. He was an avid golfer and worked in the Pro Shop at Rosedale Country Club in Sarasota, Florida for many years. Steve was an artist and had a lifelong passion for learning and reading, especially the Bible. He enjoyed fishing, especially with his family, and spent many summer evenings playing ball with his nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his mother, Beverly W. Siedlecki of Carthage, a sister, Neysa Siedlecki of Hinton, West Virginia, two brothers and their wives, Stanley "Bill" and Terri Siedlecki of Sarasota, FL and Paul and Cathy Siedlecki of West Carthage, his nieces and nephews and their children, Joe and Amali Siedlecki (Grace and Jake), Adam Burgoon and Karen Siedlecki-Burgoon (Gwendolyn), Chris and Kelly Kowalczyk (Annika and Ivy), Stanley A. "Stosh" Siedlecki (Sophia and William Ryder), and Danielle and Austin Ross. He is predeceased by his father, Stanley "Stosh" Siedlecki.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Carthage with Deacon Richard Staab of St. James Church officiating. Funeral arrangements are with the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home.