Stephen Roka

Stephen Roka, of Willow Valley Square, Lancaster, PA died Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at the age of 98. He and his wife Florence R. Bolton Roka celebrated 64 years of marriage.Born in Ajax, WV, he was the son of the late Frigyes "Fritz" and Caroline Barabas Roka.
He served his country for four years as a US Navy pilot during World War II followed by 4 years in the reserves.
Stephen graduated from Kutztown State Teacher's College with a BA Degree, and from Columbia University with a Master's Degree in Fine Arts. He continued to do graduate work at the University of Maryland.
Stephen was an art teacher for the Oxford School District for 4 years, after which he was employed by the US Government for 21 years, 18 with the CIA.Following retirement he owned and operated a custom frame and art supply business from 1972-1985.
A renowned artist, he was a founding member and two-time past president of the Octoraro Art Association. He was a member of Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church, a former member and chairman of the Carlson Cultural Trust, and a former member of the Oxford Rotary.
Surviving beside his wife Florence are 3 children, Susan M. (John) Kalbach of Clarksville, MD, Stephen (Debra) Roka,II, of Columbus, OH, Fritz (Cynthia) Roka of Ft. Myers, FL; 7 grandchildren, Leslie Roka, Heather Roka, Michael Roka, Stephanie Roka, Lyndsey Roka, Willem Kalbach and Mitchell Kalbach.
He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Helen Roka and Rosalie Rankin.
Funeral services will be held at Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church, 1068 Chestnut Level Road, Quarryville, PA Monday, March 20, 2017 at 11:00AM with Rev. Guy Dunham officiating. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery. A viewing will be held from 10:00AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Stephen's memory to the Octoraro Art Association, c/o Joan Esworthy, 112 North Christiana Avenue, Gap, PA 17527.
Arrangements entrusted to Reynolds Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Quarryville, PA.To send a note of condolence, please visit our website and visit our Sympathy Store at reynoldsfuneralhome.net