Stephen E. Karpiak, 95, of West Hartford, beloved husband of the late Olga M. (Yanenko) Karpiak, passed away Thursday, February 14, 2013 at home. He was born in Briarhill, Pennsylvania,on September 24, 1917 of immigrant parents, Anna and Michael. He attended Isabella grammar school. In 1938 after graduating Brownsville High School he worked as a coal miner like his father. In June 1941 he was drafted and assigned to the 539th Antiaircraft Company, and later transferred to the Combat Engineers. In 1944, he landed in France assigned to the Pipeline Engineers ultimately achieving the rank of Sergeant. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge and was in Europe when Germany surrendered. He was sent to the Pacific theatre, serving in the Philippines and as part of the occupation forces in Japan. In school and throughout his years in the service, Steve was always a valued team baseball player. After his discharge, in 1946 he married Olga Yanenko and started work at the Underwood Corporation in Hartford. In 1948 he became a member of the Hartford Fire Department, serving often as a Deputy Chief and retiring as a Captain in 1979. He continued his position as President of the Firefighter’s Credit Union and worked as a Manager for Connecticut National Bank for 14 years until retirement. He is survived by his beloved sons Stephen and Michael. Michael, a musician and studio producer, has been the primary caretaker for both his parents for the last five years. Stephen lives in New York City and is a research scientist at ACRIA and New York University. He is a retired faculty member and researcher of Columbia University Medical School. Steve’s nephew and wife, Richard and Diana Petro, have been close and supportive caregivers over the years. Two of his godchildren, Charles and Mae remain forever part of his beloved family. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews across the U.S.A. Funeral procession will be Monday, (Feb. 18) 9:15 am from the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Brigid Church, West Hartford. Burial with military honors will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Calling hours are Sunday from 3-6 pm at the funeral home.