Stephen Joseph Empert Jr., 77, of Hayes, passed away Dec. 29, 2018 at Mary Immaculate Hospital.

Steve was a Vietnam veteran, serving 20 plus years in the U.S. Air Force and retired as Master Sergeant. He enjoyed teaching, wood working, gardening and western movies.

Steve was devoted to his wife, Sandra, and was her caregiver until her death in 2012. He loved her very much and he carried her memory in his heart every day. He was also preceded in death by son, Matthew Empert.

He is survived by children, Page Ann Joyce and Stacy February; sister, Carmella Burns; grandchildren, Jennifer Blaylock, Candace Joyce, Stephen Joyce, Samantha February, John February Jr., Jessica February and Mackenzie February, and a great-grandson soon to be born.

A funeral service of Christian Liturgy conducted by the Rev. James Cowles was held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. Interment with military honors followed in Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery. The family received friends Thursday, Jan. 3 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Please visit www.hoggfh.com to share condolences and memories.