Stephen Anthony Sasenick, 93, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 26,2026.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 10, 1933, to Anthony and Caroline (Smicklas) Sasenick, Steve—affectionately known to loved ones as Dad, Nonno, or "SAS"—lived life with a quick wit, a huge heart, and a joke always at the ready. He attended St. Patrick’s High School before moving on to St. Benedict’s College, where he earned a degree in mathematics and played basketball. He loved to joke about his time on the bench, recalling the crowds chanting, "Put SAS in!" 

His college years brought him his greatest treasure, his wife, Pat. The two first met while working together on a homecoming float.  Pat immediately thought he was handsome and funny, and she made the first move by asking him to a dance at Mt. St. Scholastica.

Following college, Steve proudly served his country as a U.S. Navy pilot for four years—a path he began alongside his lifelong best friend, Jack Gladbach. The two remained inseparable throughout their lives, attending countless Kansas City Royals games and raising their families just a block away from one another.

Steve measured success by the faithful everyday acts of devotion that made him a true hero to his family: paying his bills on time, walking through the door at 5:30 every evening so all eleven of them could share dinner together, serving on the local school board, taking his family to Mass every Sunday, and above all, deeply loving his wife for 70 years.

Together with Pat—whom he affectionately called the "Silver Fox"—Steve served as the proud "Supreme Commander" of the Sasenick family. He had a gift for lighting up a room, seamlessly turning an everyday conversation into a funny story or clever joke, while playfully teasing cashiers, servers, doctors, and strangers alike. He often joked with the same line, "Mom and I had our first fight today," laying out the whole "argument" before asking everyone who was right—all in good fun, of course. 

Beneath his humor was a man of profound faith and action who spent countless hours volunteering through his church and the Knights of Columbus. Every year, the family gathered for a celebration on St. Stephen’s Day—the day after Christmas—a tradition that reflected the joy and warmth he brought into every room. Just recently, during a family dinner prayer, he shared the simple yet powerful philosophy by which he lived: "Slow to criticize, quick to praise, and always willing to volunteer to help others." When asked what the most important thing in a marriage was, he shared a unique piece of wisdom: "Most people think it’s a 50/50 arrangement, but each should give 75%—don’t expect 50/50, expect to give more than you take." It was a philosophy he embodied every single day.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Ellen; his brother, Corky; his grandson, Ryan Beavers; and his son-in-law, Richard Orlich.

Steve leaves behind a rich legacy of laughter, service, and love. He is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Pat; his brother, Joseph Sasenick; his nine children: Sheryl (John) Boone, Beth Ann (Tony) Galban, Joe (Jamie) Sasenick, Mary Pat Johnston, Carol Orlich, Stephen (Ann) Sasenick, Jerome (Kathleen Romero) Sasenick, Mark (Mary) Sasenick, and Jeannie (Chewning) Kincaid.

He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Brian Boone, Sarah (Boone) Lepak, Johnny Boone and Julie (Ceci) Boone, Devin Steuerwald, Audrey Steuerwald, Claire (Sasenick) Brollier, Mady (Johnston) McMurdo, Joey Johnston, Jay Johnston, Annie Orlich, Emily (Orlich) Davidson, Drew Orlich, Brett Sasenick, Abby (Sasenick) McClung, Tait Sasenick, Grant Sasenick, Molly Sasenick, Katie Sasenick, Macy Kincaid, Carter Kincaid.

And great-grandchildren: Teddy Lepak, Paul Lepak, Mary Margaret Lepak, Eloise Lepak, Rita Mae Lepak, John Cannon Boone, Hunter Boone, Colt Boone, Summer Ceci, Anthony Ceci, Romeo Ceci, Cassidy Ceci, Bradley Johnston, Natalie Johnston, and Hudson Orlich.

The world was undeniably better for having him in it, and his spirit—and witty humor—will live on in everyone who was lucky enough to know him. He was, without a doubt, one of a kind.

Services information: 

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Church of the Ascension

9510 W 127th St

Overland Park, KS 66213

Visitation will be held at 9 AM with the Rosary being prayed at 9:40 AM and the Memorial Mass following at 10 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, to honor Steve, please consider doing something kind for others, volunteering in your community, or making a donation to a charity that means the most to you.