Stephen Anton Kratowicz
February 22, 1974-November 28, 2022

"Going home, going home
By the water-side I will rest my bones
Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my soul"

Stephen Anton Kratowicz of Media, PA died on November 28, 2022. In a world fixated on "better, faster, more," Steve had the gift of sitting quietly and embracing the present moment with gratitude and contentment. Born in Malvern, PA to Joseph P. (deceased) and Elizabeth (Betty McCann) Kratowicz, Steve met his wife Sara (Wolff) Kratowicz in 2007. Sara and Steve resided in the Graduate Hospital area of Philadelphia before moving to Media where they began raising their two cherished children, Jane and Peter Kratowicz.

Stephen grew up in Malvern, PA and graduated from Great Valley High School in 1992. An avid lover of learning with a brilliant mind, he obtained dual bachelor's degrees in Biology and Art from Trinity University in 1996. Upon college graduation Stephen worked as a laboratory researcher at the University of Pennsylvania and as a professional artist. Shortly thereafter he moved to Portland, OR, where he opened the Metropolitan Art Studio. Steve's art work was displayed in galleries in Philadelphia and Portland, and he lived for a few years in Portland before returning to Philadelphia. Always curious, Stephen was a self-taught computer programmer who became a Lead Software Engineer with the University of Pennsylvania Health System, a position he held for nearly 20 years.

Stephen painted professionally for some time, and his love of art extended into gardening, inventions, and his wonderful vegan cooking. Stephen liked sharing his coding skills with his son and delighted in making up silly songs with his daughter. Indeed, music was a central theme in Steve's life. He loved attending live concerts and his joyous dance moves were legendary among friends and at home, where he often created dance parties with Sara and the children.

Stephen cherished his long-time friendships. He was creative and kind-hearted, and his infectious smile, clever sense of humor, and wonderful hugs were adored by all who knew him. In addition to his wife, children, and parents, Stephen's family includes his brother Michael Kratowicz of Malvern PA; sister Patricia (Kratowicz) Kase (deceased) and brother-in-law Geoff Kase of Berwyn PA; mother-in-law Merle (D'Alessandro) Wolff, Father-in-law Peter Wolff (deceased) of Plymouth Meeting PA; Sister-in-Law Katharine (Wolff) Odland, Brother-in-law Thor Odland of Fayetteville Arkansas; and Brother-in-law Daniel Wolff of Philadelphia, PA. Nieces and nephews: Everly Kase, Aidan Kase, Hannah Odland, Norah Odland, John Magnus Odland, Aksel Odland; cousins: Tom, Caran (D'Alessandro), Brendan, Shane and Liam Baxter of Dresher, PA.

All are welcome to attend a celebration of Steve's life at Reformation Lutheran Church, 102 W Rose Tree Rd, Media, PA 19063 on Saturday, March 11. A greeting line is scheduled to begin at 9 am with the service beginning at 11 am. A luncheon will follow the service at Cedar Creek Catering at Fellowship Hall, 350 West State Street, Media, PA. If you plan to attend the luncheon, kindly RSVP at http://evite.me/czm61G7zTv .

In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve's honor may be made to the following organizations:

https://www.getincluded.org/donate

https://delcodsig.org/make-a-donation/

https://bethejoyfoundation.org/donate

Arrangements: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
www.haganfuneralhome.com