Stefan Skoczek was born in Sobin, Poland, in 1924 to Franciszek and Maria Skoczek. He died in York, Maine, on January 2015. Stefan's earliest years were spent in Poland but in 1939 his family was among the many who were seized and forced to hard labor camps in Siberia. Following their release, they were deported to the Middle East. Stefan came to England in 1942 as a cadet in the Polish Air Force and later served in the Polish Division of the Royal Air Force. When the war ended in 1945, he re-enlisted in the RAF. He would not return to Poland until the mid-1990s. In 1950 he met Ingeborg Kunert, who had recently emigrated from Germany to pursue studies in business and accounting. They married in 1953, settling in the Muswell Hill section of London. Two years later they moved to Ruislip Gardens, on the outskirts of the city, where they had three Children and lived until 1971. During these years, Stefan commenced a lifelong career building, creating and working with his hands. He trained as a cabinet maker and worked at Schreiber and Sons, Morgan Partners and Bisson. In 1971 the family emigrated to the United States, and for the next 36 years Stefan and Inge lived in Livingston, NJ. Stefan founded a business as a private contractor and enjoyed rewarding relationships with the clients he worked for over many years. Stefan and Inge made Kittery Point, Maine, their home in 2007. In 2010 he and Inge returned to Europe for the last time to visit relatives in England, Germany and Poland. Stefan loved all animals and had a special affinity for wildlife, including squirrels and the groundhogs who enjoyed the fruits of his garden; for cockatiels and his beloved conure, Peter; and for his big cat, Romeo. He was an avid and skilled gardener, renowned for his delicious tomatoes, beans, kale, cucumbers and other vegetables. He respected the earth and enjoyed growing his knowledge of organic farming and composting. He valued knowledge and was particularly interested in world history, current events and geography. During his years in Kittery Point, he became a skilled cook and enjoyed daily exercise. He inspired his children and others with his inner strength, his determination, his love and understanding of animals, and his ability to fix and build anew. Inge's death in February 2014 left a deep hole in Stefan's life and in his heart. Stefan is survived by his son, Michael Skoczek and his wife, Kelley Parsons, of Parsippany, NJ.; his daughter Marianne Skoczek and her husband, Paul Dorn, of Sacramento, Calif.; his daughter Christl Skoczek of Kittery Point, Maine; and his "grandchildren" Kiva, K'teufel and Poppy- all rescued animals. He is greatly missed by his brother, Johnny Skoczek, and his wife, Mary, of Burnham, England, as well as his nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Stefan's name to the Center for Wildlife, P.O. Box 620, Cape Neddick, ME 03902