Steven Edward Harunk, 71

Steven Edward Harunk of Onset, Massachusetts passed away peacefully with his family by his side at home on Sunday, April 19, 2026, after a long battle with kidney failure. He was 71 years young.

Also known as Steve, Stevie, Skunk, Excalibur Wildman. Steve is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kathy Harunk; his daughter, Marley Swenson, and her husband, Kevin Swenson; his son, Wyatt Harunk, and his wife, Yvonne Harunk; his granddaughter, Magnolia Harunk; and his siblings, Lee Harunk, Jayne Moore and her husband, Kevin Moore; and Pete Harunk. He was predeceased by his father, Edward Harunk; his mother, Phyllis Donohue; and his sister-in-law, Cyndi Harunk.

Steve’s quick wit, free spirit, and warm heart were obvious to everyone who knew him. He was a loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and he often said he’d been fortunate to live a good, long life.

Steve followed in his father’s footsteps and fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter. After 21 years of dedicated service, primarily with the Wellesley Fire Department, filling roles such as Private, Lieutenant, Captain, and Inspector, Steve retired in 2002 as a Lieutenant. Steve went on to run a local landscaping business out of Onset and playfully dubbed himself the Zookeeper of the Port O’Call, calling for “staff meetings” until the doors closed in 2015.

Steve and Kathy first crossed paths in the summer of 1984 on Martha’s Vineyard, each renting a room from a mutual friend. Over the years the island filled with memories – first with friends, then with their children. An outdoorsman, Steve also spent many seasons visiting, and helping to repair, the Provincetown dune shacks, whilst creating treasured family memories.

An unapologetic adventurer, Steve’s stories were larger than life but always true. He had a passion for riding motorcycles, which brought him great joy whether he was at bike week in Laconia, hill climbing in Gilford, or even flying to Italy in the ’70s just to ride through the Alps. Motorcycles were a through‑line in his life and legacy.

In later years he loved tending to his garden and keeping his lawn vibrant. He found great happiness in watching flowers return each year and took pride in nurturing growth, whether in his garden beds or in his children as they grew into their own. Though quieter with time, his pride in his family’s accomplishments never waned.

Steve loved grilling and cooking, always used a paper map (never trusting a GPS), and was without a doubt ready to help a neighbor. We will always think of Steve when we hear a fire alarm sound, a motorcycle rumble, or spot a row of carrots in a garden. He will be remembered in our witty remarks, the dog treats we tuck into our pockets, and the love we carry in our hearts. His favorite phone greeting, “Heaven, God speaking”, now has a whole new meaning.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Friday, July 10, 2026 at The Sagamore Cape Cod from 4:00 to 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, simply enjoy a crisp Bud Light and toast to Steve.