Stephen Durner

Stephen Durner, 80, of Cranford, NJ passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Morristown Medical Center, with his family at his side.

A New Jersey native, Stephen grew up in Linden. His service in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968 brought him to Ohio, where he met his wife LeAnn Eich. They were married on July 26, 1969, and spent 57 wonderful years together. In 1973 they returned to New Jersey where they raised their family in Cranford. Stephen worked in manufacturing as a purchasing agent for many years and earned a bachelor’s degree from Kean University in 1980. He retired in 2020 as a senior mechanic for the County of Union.

He was a jack of all trades, could fix or build almost anything, and collected coins and stamps. Stephen loved camping in his RV with family, friends, and the Pioneers Camping Club and enjoyed traveling and visiting new places. One of his greatest traits was his sense of humor, making those around him laugh (or groan) with his jokes and puns-often with a Black Russian drink in hand. He was a caring son, brother, uncle and friend, but above all, Stephen was a loving husband, devoted father, and cherished Pop. He will be remembered for his quiet and steadfast love and support of his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife LeAnn; three daughters, Vicki Kallok and her husband Brian of Hopatcong, NJ, Alisa Steiner and her husband Chris of Clark, NJ, and Elizabeth Bennett and her husband Jason of Rahway, NJ; and his grandchildren, Julia Steiner, Krista Steiner and Jack Kallok.

Visitation will be held at Gray & Pescitelli Funeral Home, 12 Springfield Ave., Cranford, NJ 07016 on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, to gather directly at St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church, 1600 Rahway Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090 for a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass, followed by a service at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia, NJ.