Stephen John Harikal, Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stephen “Steve” John Harikal Jr., who died on August 11, 2025, at the age of 95. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on November 1, 1929, to Stephen J. Harikal Sr. and Leona M. (nee Dowgiallo).

As a young man, he delivered for Essie’s Floral Shop. He played accordion on a daily radio show under the stage name of Doc Stevens in the Rodeo Rangers band. They also played in many venues around Wilkes-Barre.

He entered the Army in 1951 and was stationed in post WWII Germany. After his service, he studied at Penn State and then moved to Maryland to work for Westinghouse. He worked on many programs at Westinghouse, including the radar for the F-16 program and many trips on Navy submarines to support Westinghouse equipment. He retired from Westinghouse in 1993 after 37 years of service.

Steve enjoyed listening to and playing music, traveling with his wife, watching hot air balloon ascensions, working on computers, gardening in his yard, and photography. Anytime football was on the TV, he was watching, especially if it was the Ravens. Old westerns were also a favorite.

Steve was always fixing something around the house, earning the nickname, “Mr. Fix It”. He also enjoyed spending time with his loving family and was a long-time active member of Christ Lutheran Church of Millersville.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Ann L. Harikal (nee Dougherty); beloved son and stepson, Stephen J. Harikal III (Sharon) and Gary R. Welzenbach; cherished grandsons, Bradley and Daniel Scott; and his dear niece and nephew, Patricia Dirk (Joel) and James Ryan. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Camilla L. Ryan; and three daughters, Dawn E. McKinley, Brenda K. Harikal and Laura D. Benson (nee Welzenbach).

Steve is now at peace in God’s care and forever in the hearts of those he left behind.

The family will receive visitors at Singleton Funeral & Cremation Services, P.A., 1 2nd Ave. SW (at Crain Hwy) on Monday, Aug. 18th, from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 PM. His funeral service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 8249 Jumpers Hole Road, Millersville, MD 21108 on Tuesday, Aug. 19th, at 11 am. Interment to follow at Meadowridge Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake by visiting www.hospicechesapeake.org