Stefan Moser 1933-2021

Steve was born Oct. 18, 1933, in Gakowa,Yugoslavia, where his extraordinary life began. During World War II, at the age of 11, he was a POW for four years in a concentration camp in Gakowa.

He was educated in Europe, where he was also a professional soccer player and emigrated to the United States in 1956. Steve was a graduate of Penn State University, where he earned a degree in ferrous metallurgy. He was employed for 38 years at Sharon Steel’s former Farrell plant as a metallurgical observer, before retiring in 1991. Although Steve continued playing soccer in the United States, he ultimately converted to football, which became his passion and legacy. He was a kicker for 39 years in the semi-pro football league and played for the United States All-Star team. Steve played in 21 all-pro football games at the Casino Bowl in Las Vegas, five games in Hawaii and many other games throughout Europe and the United Kingdom. At one time, he was featured on a televised ESPN special as the oldest active kicker in the world and went on to play for many more years after the segment aired. He was inducted into the Minor-Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992. Steve also coached many student kickers and punters and loved to share his passion and experience with kids on local football teams. He made a lasting impact on young athletes and many of his students went on to play college football and several played in the NFL. His favorite halftime performance was kicking 10 field goals in 10 seconds.

Steve also enjoyed restoring classic Mercedes Benz’, one of which is now in a museum in Europe. He loved traveling throughout the world with his wife, Kathleen and dear friends.

Surviving are his loving wife of 48 years, the former Kathleen Coan, whom he married July 6, 1974; a son, Stefan “Steve” J. Moser and his wife, Linda of Hubbard; a daughter, Elizabeth “Liezl” Craig and her husband, Art of Freedom, Pa.; three grandchildren, Jocelyn, Anthony and Stefan; two great-grandchildren, Maryalice and Madalyn; and a sister, Maria Walter and her husband, Alois of Austria.

Besides his parents, Steve was preceded in death by two brothers, Martin of Germany and Tony of Austria.

Steve will be remembered by many for his pleasant demeanor and the kindness he displayed toward his fellow man. The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to St. Anthony Church, 804 Idaho St., Sharon, PA 16146, or to Sharon Regional Health System Hospice, 100 N. Keel Ridge Rd., Suite 102-A, Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 24, 2021, at the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon, Pa.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2021, in St. Anthony Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, pastor, as celebrant. Steve’s brother-in-law, Deacon Denis Coan, will be co-celebrant.

(special notice)