Stephen Zarlenga

YOUNGSTOWN - Stephen A. Zarlenga, 83, passed away peacefully on Palm Sunday, April 13, after a long illness, under hospice care at Briarfield Manor in Austintown.

Born in Youngstown on Oct. 7, 1941, he was the son of Joseph V. and Mary Ciolli Zarlenga. A 1960 graduate of Chaney High School, Steve met his wife, the former Carol A. Cholensky. While in high school, he worked at Idora Park.

After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy with his two best friends and served aboard the USS Stickell destroyer. During his four years of active duty, he was stationed around the world and took part in the Bay of Pigs Conflict during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Upon returning to Youngstown, he briefly worked at Youngstown Sheet and Tube before spending 32 years as a Line/Wire Inspector at Packard Electric/Delphi, retiring in 2003.

Known as a true “Jack of All Trades,” Steve was the first call for family and friends needing help with projects—electrical, plumbing, construction, automotive, landscaping—even haircuts from his own barber chair. Restoring, rebuilding and collecting vintage cars were his passion and his curse, especially 1969 Chevy Impalas. He could never have enough cars and could always find ‘good deals to fix up.’

He married Carol on Nov. 4, 1961; she preceded him in death on Oct. 1, 2004. He is survived by their children: Stephen (Melissa) Zarlenga II of New Waterford, Lisa (Brian) Frederick of Austintown, and Christopher Zarlenga of China; seven grandchildren: Madison and Daniel Frederick, Stephen III, Bonnie, Elena Zarlenga, Cullen and Paden Wallace; and three great-grandchildren: Mason, Hunter, and Scarlett Wallace. Also surviving are his siblings Joann (Joseph) Santha, Joseph (Marge), and James (Nancy) Zarlenga, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother-in-law Joseph Santha.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. at The Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Youngstown, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. and Military Honors at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Angels for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Rd., Canfield, OH 44406.