Aloysius Stepchinski

Lt. Col. Aloysius Michael Stepchinski, USAF (Ret.), aged 91, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024, in Austin, TX, surrounded by his loved ones. Al was born on March 8, 1933, to the late Catheran Monica Collerain and Ignatius Victor Stepchinski in Houston, Texas. He married JoAnn Humphries on September 3, 1966. “Colonel Step” dedicated his life to serving his country and community. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950 as a Private, where he began his journey as a mechanic and crew chief. His passion for flight and commitment to excellence saw him promoted ten times throughout his prestigious 38-year military career, retiring as a Base Engineer ranked Lieutenant Colonel. Al will be remembered for his extraordinary service, unwavering spirit and deep love for his family and country. Throughout his distinguished military career Lt. Col. Stepchinski, served in various capacities. He piloted a variety of aircraft such as the P18 Supercub, T-28, T-33 Trainer, F-86D/L, C47, his own Cessna 170A, F-102 Delta Dart, C-54, and the Cessna 310. His service included overseas deployments at Itazuke Air Base in Japan and Tague, Korea. He bravely served in combat during the Korean Conflict, alongside 3 of his older brothers. Al was proud to be a member of the 147 th Fighter Group, Texas Air National Guard at Ellington AFB. Also, 9 th Fighter Bomber Squadron, the 49 th and 136 th Fighter Bomber Wings and Texas 111th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. He is a lifetime member of the 147 th Ace in the Hole Retiree Association. After retiring from the Air Force, Al served the City of Houston at Ellington Field as an Operations Supervisor and Inspector for 19 years, marking his profound commitment to service. Throughout his career, Al was a dedicated, loving husband and father. He enjoyed being a pack leader in the Cub Scouts / Webelos pack 779 and Boy Scout troop 251. He loved the Houston Astros, and he would frequently take his grandchildren to games. He loved all types of animals and made it part of his schedule to feed the squirrels and deer as well as the cats and dogs. Above all, he loved his family. Al is reunited with his loving wife JoAnn. He is survived by two sons, Michael Wayne Stepchinski and fiancé Tonya Hill; and David Stepchinski, both of Austin, TX; two daughters, Jill Marie Stepchinski Shofner of Pearland, TX and Barbara Allen of Conroe, TX; three grandchildren, Ashley Marie Shofner and Austin Michael Shofner, both of Pearland, TX and Lana Jo Boeker of Conroe, TX. The family would like to convey their gratitude to the caregivers of Silverado Barton Springs Memory Care Community in Austin, TX. Memorial viewing will be held Saturday, December 28th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a memorial mass at 1 p.m. at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church located at 10727 Hartsook St., Houston, TX 77034. Interment to follow at South Park Cemetery located at 1310 N. Main, Pearland, TX 77581.

Aloysius Stepchinski

March 8, 1933 - December 14, 2024