Final Salute

Steven Douglas Pyska of Niagara Falls, a retired officer in the Navy Seabees, died unexpectedly Friday in Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. He was 41.

Born in Lewiston, Mr. Pyska attended Niagara Falls city schools and was a 1994 graduate of the former LaSalle Senior High School.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1996 and served for 20 years with the Naval Construction Battalions (Seabees) as a construction electrician and inspector. He was a chief petty officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

Stationed at various times in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Naples, Italy; Keflavik, Iceland; Brunswick, Maine; and Gulfport, Miss., he was awarded numerous achievement medals.

He enjoyed home improvement projects, fixing things and collecting die-cast model cars.

Survivors include his wife, the former Tay Allen; two daughters, Malaya and Alyssa; his parents, Patrick and Luann; a brother, John; and a sister, Patty Pilon.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Grace Lutheran Church, 736 Cayuga Drive, Niagara Falls.