Stephen Joseph Kolinko, known as “Steve” to his many friends, passed away on April 16th, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH, at the age of 94 after a life well lived.

Steve was the devoted husband of the late Betty (Chalupa) Kolinko, loving son to the late May Kolinko and John Ushtwant, caring brother to the late Lillian Greiner, the much adored uncle of Carolyn Waldman and PJ Greiner, and great-uncle to Amanda Greiner, David Greiner and Paul Kuhn-Greiner. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Bernadette Chalupa of Nashua, NH, and Anne Ricca of West Orange, NJ.

Steve was born and raised in New York City. He spent his early years learning the tool and die trade and working in the precision instrument industry. Following his service in the Army during World War II, Steve began a long career working for the Kollsman Instrument Corp., eventually becoming their Senior Test Engineer. In this capacity, he played an important role in the development of many integral components for the defense industry including the refinement of a laser lathe and improving flight instrument reliability for the NASA Apollo space program.

Following his company’s move to New Hampshire in 1974, Steve lived for many years in Hollis. Following his retirement, Steve became an extremely active volunteer for the Hollis Transfer Station. He also donated many hours to litter removal along Rocky Pond Road. Steve greatly enjoyed boating and was an avid saltwater fisherman. He was a longtime bowler and intrepid traveler, exploring Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, and even visiting the Great Wall of China at the amazing age of 92. He was actively planning a trip to Africa a few months before he passed. No matter where he lived, nor where he traveled, Steve was never more at home than in his own workshop surrounded by his many machines. A master craftsman, Steve could always be counted on to bring his fanatic attention to accuracy to solve any problem. If the part could not be fixed, Steve would just build a new one!

Steve spent his final years as a resident of The Huntington in Nashua. He took part in many activities there, especially enjoying his daily swim that encompassed eleven laps of the pool each morning. Steve leaves behind family and many friends who will all miss his smile, his sense of humor and most of all, his zest for life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice House or charity of donor’s choice.