01/14/2026
Vincent George Stepulis,
August 5, 1932-January 5, 2026
Vincent George Stepulis, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026 at the age of 93, in Pine City, NY in his home of 67 years.
Born on August 5, 1932 in Exeter, PA, Vincent was the son of George and Adele Stepulis. Throughout his life, he was known for work ethic, quick wit, determination, a spirit for entrepreneurship and a desire for philanthropy.
He was the devoted husband to Elizabeth Ann Stepulis (Frankosky) for 64 years. They were married on Thanksgiving Day in 1955. Growing up just a short distance from each other, they met later, getting married at the “old-age” of mid-20s. Together they built a home and stable life for their two daughters, Dianne and Donna. Their lives had a routine and discipline often missed in today’s world.
As a child growing up during the Depression, his work ethic and desire to care for family were seen early in a cherished family photo of him walking along the train tracks and gathering fallen pieces of coal to place in his bucket then carried home for heat.
He was a devoted supporter of Shriner’s Hospital as he was also a recipient as a child of their selfless mission spending a year away from family in the hospital at the age of 7.
He attended Mansfield State College where he majored in music education. He completed his Masters in Education, administrative certificate and was ABD with Purdue University. He was a member in many bands and could often be found playing for many years on Friday and Saturday nights. His daughter, Dianne, could at times be found in the band with him and followed his footsteps to Mansfield University to be an educator.
He was an instrumental music teacher for 35 years in the Elmira City School District where he also served as president of the teachers’ union. Upon retirement, he devoted his hours to Big-S-Music both on site locations and moving to online as a pioneer in the field of eBay. He and his daughter, Donna, often partnered their skills- hers for woodworking and his for music to refinish old pianos restoring them to their beauty.
He served in many capacities in music unions at both the local and national levels. This role took him and his wife on many trips across the country. No matter where they ended up, they could always find a quality buffet for a low price.
Vincent loved to fish. He traveled to Canada as often as he could to spend time on the lakes, taking his daughters with him. He also logged many hours on local water and enjoyed fishing off the pontoon on Lake Lamoka at his daughter’s second home. He also loved to pass along his joy of fishing to his grandchildren. Pictures from Florida boats and local ponds always made him smile when the great-grandkids were catching fish. One anecdote includes catching a little fish with his young granddaughters which they quickly named “Dude.” Always quick-witted, the fast demise of the little fish led him to tell them both he was now “Dead-Dude.”
He was a proud Lithuanian. His name heritage and unrealized desire to see the country were shared by his grandson who instead brought pieces of the country to him. His grandson even placed hidden secrets in the books for grandpa to find when grandma wasn’t looking… postcards he would later recollect as “cheeky.”
Lessons in business and wise financial moves he always loved to share. His grandchildren have used this knowledge to not only make him proud with their decisions, but to further his legacy for generations to come.
In his later years, he would spend hours on the computer and could account for every dime. He had a list of endless tasks and always admired how his grandson could do it all for him, likely reminiscent of having him help move grand pianos by hand. He loved a good meal and always offered his opinion whether requested or not. He and grandma alternated their Sundays between each daughter’s home to watch their grandchildren grow. He loved a good Sunday meal and a well-timed nap. He pushed his grandchildren to be better and work harder in each of their given areas of passion and profession.
Adoration for his great-grandchildren was no secret. He loved their visits and watching them grow in all of their activities. His grandchildren made sure to keep his digital photo frames filled with current pictures which he spent hours watching and vicariously joining them when he needed to spend more time at home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Adele Stepulis; wife, Elizabeth Frankosky Stepulis; daughter, Donna Rinwalske; sister, Helen Vasil; brother, John Stepulis.
He is survived by his daughter, Dianne (John) Ostrom; sister-in-law, Ruth Stepulis; son-in-law, Dave Rinwalske. This also includes his grandchildren, Beth (John) Janu; Emily (Shawn) Graham; Joel Ostrom; Brandon Rinwalske; Catherine (Aaron) Rush and Rebecca (Alexander) Richmond. His great-grandchildren include: Gabrielle Harris, Scarlett Graham, Paige Rush, Pria Janu, Seger Graham, Zoe Rush, Ayan Janu, Scarlette Rinwalske, Steele Graham, Margaret Richmond and Laurel Richmond.
A memorial celebration will be held on Lake Lamoka in the spring.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to caretakers and neighbors for their compassion and support.
Vincent Stepulis will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his wisdom, guidance and legacy by his family. And as he and grandma would always say upon departure, “See ya in a couple-a!”
