Stephen G. “Steve” Starsinic

Stephen G. “Steve” Starsinic was born on March 31, 1952, in Harrisburg, PA. He passed away at home on April 18, 2025, at the age of 73.

He was a proud member of the “Steelton Starsinics”, raised in a rowhouse on 2nd Street. He often reminisced about hearing the sounds of polka music drifting down from the church during weddings. Like many in the neighborhood, he worked at the steel plant as a young adult. Among his fondest childhood memories were those of the holidays, when his parents’ home was an open house to dozens of visitors at all hours, with pots of hot food simmering 24/7 and plenty for everyone.

Steve went on to earn his degree from Millersville University. He helped shape the early landscape of local computing, founding the Personal Computing Support department at Penn National Insurance and later launching his company, Applied Micro Solutions. He combined his skills in software development and his deep interest in Civil War history to co-create the computer game Fredericksburg with his friend James Price, which was published and sold by Avalon Hill Games. He later brought his skills to public service, retiring as a Senior Application Developer for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare.

He married Cathy (Waldron) Starsinic, and together they moved to Hummelstown, PA. Their son Daniel was born in 1987, followed by daughter Jennifer in 1991.

Of all his accomplishments, Steve was proudest of being a father. He was endlessly curious, deeply devoted, and unfailingly supportive. He took up every interest his children had as his own—from practicing football, to exploring new music, to researching nonprofit funding models. He had a rare gift for being truly present and engaged in conversation, always eager to listen and learn, even in his final days.

Steve was an avid reader, hunter, guitarist, runner, cyclist, and woodworker. He read so much that he would sometimes find himself 50 pages into a new book before realizing he’d already read it. He was a lifelong lover of music and passed that love on to his kids, who always had instruments and music lessons. He spent many years as a regular at the Friday night bluegrass jam at the Arrow Horse in Gettysburg, PA, where he and his kids played alongside a beloved circle of friends. A gifted conversationalist, he could often be found deep in discussion with family and friends—new and old—and phone calls with him frequently stretched into multi-hour affairs. Later in life, he became a prolific woodworker and could often be found in his garage workshop, building furniture from reclaimed wood and keepsakes his family and friends will treasure.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William M. and Patricia R. Starsinic, and his brother, William A. Starsinic.

Steve is survived by his children, Jennifer Starsinic and her partner Evan Latt, and Daniel Starsinic and his wife Brandi; his grandson, Aiden Starsinic; his former wife, Cathy Starsinic; his siblings, Bob Starsinic and his wife Kathy, Kathy Starsinic-Bass and her husband Mark Bass, and Patsy Ellis and her husband Jeff; and many extended family members and friends.

Steve will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Wiedeman Funeral Home, 357 S Harrisburg St, Oberlin, PA. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, with the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 116 S Oak Grove Rd, West Hanover Township, PA 17112.

Flowers may be sent to Wiedeman Funeral Home, or memorial donations made to UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing).