Stephen Thomas Klisiewicz of Fayetteville, 57, passed away peacefully, at his home on Monday, March 12, surrounded by family and close friends. Stephen was born in Fayetteville to Henry Dennis and Dorothy Britt Klisiewicz. He graduated from Saint Patrick Catholic School and later Terry Sanford Senior High School. Stephen received an Associate's Degree in Business Administration from Fayetteville Technical Community College. He went on to hold several civil service positions on Fort Bragg, before he retired, but found his greatest job satisfaction as an Emergency Dispatcher for the Main Post Fire Station No. 1.

Stephen was an avid UNC Tarheel fan and a crossword puzzle and Sudoku champion! He loved the NC Outer Banks and traveled there frequently when he was able. Stephen was an active volunteer and fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association local chapter Stride and Ride event. Stephen was never comfortable being the center of attention, due to his reserved nature, and could appear shy. Although he kept many of his wonderful qualities hidden, he was loved and treasured by those who truly knew him. Stephen far exceeded his life expectancy and maintained a positive attitude in spite of many challenges. Stephen was a dear brother and a loyal friend who will be deeply missed.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by two sisters, Teresa K. Johnson of Apex, Mary K. Gallimore of Fayetteville, and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Jernigan Warren, 545 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville. A memorial service, officiated by Monsignor Michael Shugrue, will be held on Friday, March 16 at 2:00 PM, in the Jernigan Warren Chapel. The family will receive visitors and friends from 12:00 to 200 PM, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 333 East Six Forks Road, Suite #105, Raleigh, NC 27609, in Stephen's memory, or on line at www.MDA.org/donate.