Stephen D. Porada

Stephen Porada (Steve) of Manalapan, NJ passed away peacefully after a long battle following a stroke in 2019. Born in 1939 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Steve graduated from Ferris High School where he met his beloved wife, Jill. Steve went on to serve our country in the National Guard of New Jersey where he traveled to Germany and France. When he returned to the states, he attended Seton Hall University where he studied business. Steve worked for Random House Publications in NYC. He shared an office with Theodor Geisel “Dr. Seuss”. He often brought his children Stephen and Karen books by Dr. Suess and other authors that were not even published yet so his kids could get a first glimpse. Steve then became director of personnel at RCA Records. He and one of his colleagues started the country division of RCA. Steve shared stories about meeting many icons of country and rock and roll music including John Denver, Elvis, Chett Adkins, Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Jefferson Starship and many others. Steve went on to work for Hertz in Parsippany, NJ where he traveled often and worked closely with Jose Menendez. Steve would come home with many stories of his travels and work with Jose. After he left the corporate world, Steve went on to run his own recruiting agency and he loved to invest and actively trade in the stock market. Steve had many interests besides the stock market including traveling with his wife, children and grandchildren. One of his favorite vacation spots was in Captiva Island on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. He loved tending to his garden and spent many hours in his backyard enjoying the outdoors! Steve loved the beach and had a season beach badge at Bradley Beach for many years. Steve is pre-deceased by his parents, Stefan and Julia Porada, his wife, Valerie (Jill) Porada, his mother-in-law, Gladys Kazenski, sister and brother-in-law Bob and Lois Maher. He is survived by his son, Stephen Porada daughter-in-law, Faith, his daughter Karen Wegrzyniak son-in-law Mike, his grand-children Kaitlyn, Jessica, Caralyn, Amy, Stephen, Shea, and Soren. Steve is also survived by his nephew Robert Maher, his wife, Shannon and great-nephew, Zack and great-niece, Lois. Steve was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for many years. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Knights of Columbus are appreciated.

Stephen D. Porada

June 15, 1939 - November 21, 2024