Stephen P Lesko, Former Hope Executive Director Passes On

Stephen P Lesko, Former Hope Executive Director Passes On

On May 29, 2016 Alaska lost a visionary leader and friend with the unexpected passing of Stephen P. Lesko (Steve) at his home in Grant, Michigan.

Steve was born to Stephen and Anna (Zilavy) Lesko in Newburgh NY. He graduated from St. Patrick High School in 1964. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Fordham University and a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities - Psychoeducational Diagnostics from Yeshiva University.

Steve married Maryann Breen in 1970 and had four children (Stephanie, Scott, Danielle, and Nicole). Steve and Maryann moved their family to Alaska in the late 1970s, seeking adventure and opportunity. They shared over 20 years in Alaska before Maryann passed away in October, 1996.

Steve married Karen Guthmiller in 1999. He had four stepchildren (Melissa, Hope, Nathaniel, and Seth).

Steve served as the Executive Director of Hope Community Resources for 32 years. Throughout his tenure as Executive Director he championed the rights of Alaskans with disabilities. His passion for advocacy is legendary not only in Alaska, but nationwide. Steve was a wonderful mentor and powerful public speaker. His vision was contagious and moved people and systems to action. He shared his journey at Hope with long-term colleague and friend Roy Scheller, and together they created a value-driven agency.

Steve’s advocacy became the heart and soul of the Key Coalition of Alaska. Key has become one of the leading grass roots advocacy organizations in the state, impacting hundreds of individuals and families experiencing disabilities.

While many knew him as a skilled orator, Steve was also a talented musician, poet and writer. His friends also knew and “feared” him as someone who took great joy in pulling pranks on friends, family and fellow employees.

After his retirement in December 2014, Steve and Karen moved to Grant, Michigan where he became a gentleman farmer.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Anna Lesko, and his first wife, Maryann Lesko. He is survived by his wife, Karen, his children: Stephanie (Duane) Simmons of Manitowoc, WI and Scott, Danielle, and Nicole Lesko all of Anchorage, AK; his grandchildren: Zachary, Matthew, and Joseph Simmons; his stepchildren: Melissa (Trevor) Millar of Anchorage, AK; Hope (Daniyel) Blankenship of Biloxi, MS; Seth (Amanda) McElrath of Fremont, MI; and Nathaniel (Larissa) McElrath of Anchorage, AK; his step-grandchildren: Austin and Grace Blankenship, and Joseph, Luke, Lillie, Dasha and Natasha McElrath.

Video entitled "An Enduring Legacy of Dedication and Leadership" was shown in Steve's honor at the celebration of life. This video was created for Steve's retirement in 2014. We felt it was a true reflection of his legacy so we have made it available for public view.