Mr. Stephen Joseph Somogyi, 97, of Columbia, died Saturday, December 12, 2015. Born in Odenton, MD, on December 3, 1918, he was a son of the late Michael and Elizabeth Nemedi Somogyi. He spent most of his youth in Franklin, NJ. In 1942, while in Military Police training at Ft. Jackson, SC, Stephen met the love of his life, his late wife of 61 years, Rachel Wiedemann Somogyi. Mr. Somogyi worked as a construction superintendent with Charles J. Craig Construction, and retired as Vice President of Logan Drake Construction Company. After retiring, he enjoyed working in his yard, giving away plants he rooted, feeding and watching wildlife, and running errands for family members. Stephen was a man of faith, and he treasured the friendship and fellowship he shared as a member of Eau Claire Baptist Church, and formerly as a member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church.

Stephen is survived by daughters, Elizabeth Meetze and Debra Varnadore; grandchildren, Neil and Lisa (Tripp); and great-grandchildren, Wesley and Rachel Lynn. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Somogyi Stefkovich; and brother, Michael Somogyi.

The funeral service for Mr. Somogyi will be held at 1:30 o'clock, Tuesday, December 15th, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Dr., Columbia, with The Rev. James A. Goudelock officiating. Burial will follow in Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, prior to the service, beginning at 1 o'clock. Memorials may be made to Eau Claire Baptist Church, 4427 North Main St., Columbia, SC 29203. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff of Right at Home and Palmetto Health Hospice for their care and support.