Msg (Ret.) Stephen D. Kasarda

MSG (Ret.) Stephen D. Kasarda, 80, of Carlisle, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2020 at his home.
He was born April 8, 1940 in Forest City, PA to the late Andrew and Mary (Payer) Kasarda and was the widower of Alicia (Berrios) Kasarda who after 24 years of marriage, passed in 1985.
Stephen was a 1958 graduate of Ben Franklin High School in Carbondale and later graduated from the US Infantry School in Ft. Benning, GA. He honorably served his country for 22 years in the US Army including service in Vietnam. For his service Stephen was awarded the following decorations: the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, 3 Army Commendation Medals, the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal with 6 bars the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with 3 clusters. He loved bowling, fishing, deer hunting, and the New York Mets baseball team. Stephen was a member of VFW post 477, Carlisle. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his never-ending jokes.
He is survived by three children, Andrew Kasarda of Downingtown, Yvonne Dunst (former husband Jack) of New Cumberland, Michelle (husband Albert) Morin of Sebastian, FL; one brother, Rudy (wife Helen) Kasarda of Dalton; nine grandchildren, Benjamin, Kaitlin, Stephen, Renee, Rachel, Calvin, Maren, Jackson, and Griffin; two step-children, Thomas (wife Susan) Shirey of Flowery Branch, GA and Nanette (husband John) Ross of Mays Landing, NJ; his best friend and former commanding officer, COL Ret. Ernie Lavasseur; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and his wife, Stephen was preceded in death by five siblings, Mary, Florence, Betty, Bob, and Ed; and his partner of over 20 years, Christa Shirey.
Memorial services, for close friends and family, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at the Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 2020 West Trindle Road Carlisle, PA 17013. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family at St. Patrick Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Stephen to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675-8516
To sign the guestbook, please visit www.HoffmanFH.com.