Sharon Rae Steranko

Sharon Rae Steranko, 76, of Pottsville, and formerly of Port Carbon, passed away on Monday, January 6th at Green Valley Healthcare Center, Pottsville. 

Born on May 16th, 1948, in Coaldale, she was the daughter of the late William and Eva (Pritko) Stephenson of Diener’s Hill. Sharon was a 1966 graduate of Saint Clair High School and earned a stenography certificate from McCann School of Business. She moved to New York City to work as a secretary and court stenographer, where she met her first husband, the late Inacio (Joe) Gusmao, before moving to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Upon returning to Diener’s Hill she worked at Argo Mills- Willow Lake. Over the years Sharon also worked as a legal secretary, home healthcare worker, and owned an in-home daycare before retiring early to care for her husband and have epic adventures and thrilling tea-parties with her grandchildren. 

Along with other little league parents, Sharon helped to form the Port Carbon Baseball Association where she raised thousands of dollars for Port Carbon Little League and Teener League. She was awarded Volunteer of the Year by Port Carbon Little League and was the 1994 Pennsylvania District 24 Little League Volunteer of the Year. She also raised money for the former St. Clair Ambulance Company to purchase needed equipment, and organized the Pottsville Area High School Class of 1988 “Mr. PAHS” Contest to raise money for the spring prom all-night party. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 25 years, Bernard Steranko; a brother, William Stephenson III; niece Louchelle Tarris; nephew Scott Geffert, and many canine children. 

Sharon is survived by a daughter, Tammy Spevak and her husband Drew, of Pottsville; a son, Jason Steranko and his fiancée Lisa, of Allentown; grandsons Logan Spevak, Brooklyn, NY; Evan Spevak, State College; granddaughter, Kendra Spevak, Pottsville; sisters Darlene Geffert and husband John, Rutherfordton, NC; Judy Tarris and husband Bob, Jacksonville, FL; 8 nephews and many great-nephews and nieces; Step-children Debra Weiss, TN; Barbara DiMariano, NJ; David Steranko, Port Carbon; 5 step-grandchildren: John Weiss, Nicole Contrisciane, Thomas Steranko, Michael DiMariano, and Catherine Chapman, and grand-pets: Swiffer, Moxie, Stella, and Jareth. 

A graveside service will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 11AM.

At the family's request, memorial donations in Sharon’s name may be forwarded to Hillside SPCA PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.

Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon is entrusted with arrangements. www.robertaevansjrfh.com