.hmmessage P { margin:0px; padding:0px } body.hmmessage { font-size: 10pt; font-family:Verdana } Ride Report posted for Al Philo

Cpl. Paul A. Steppacher, USMC, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 2, 2009, at age 66. Cpl. Steppacher was born in Dunmore, PA and was a Vietnam Veteran. He was a corporal in the Force Recon Second Division Expedition, amd a recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

In civilian life, he remained always a Patriot, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, The National Rifle Association, the Scranton Club. He was respected in the filtration and energy industries, holding patents in the field.

He was a well-known and highly respected member of the community, and the number of visitors who came to pay respects bear out this fact. At times, the line waiting to pass through the Funeral Home extended around the block. In that line were such dignitaries as Lackawanna County Commissioners, and the Mayor of the city of Scranton.

On Sunday Evening, fifteen members of Warriors’ Watch Riders and Friends of the Forgotten Northeast Wing formed a flag line at the entrance of the Funeral Home. At one point in the visitation, we momentarily broke our flag line to pay our own respects. Staff Sergeant Al Gibbs, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps League Northeast Detachment in Scranton PA, stood as our members passed with the Colors, and followed with a final salute to the departed Hero. Cpl. Steppacher’ daughter, Sgt. Mary “Kate”‘ Steppacher, USMC, was most gracious in expressing her gratitude for our support, however we all know that it is always our honor to stand for an American Hero on his final mission.

Monday morning the weather was not conducive to a motorcycle escort, but we stood again in honor. After a service at the Louis Margotta Funeral Home, Jessup, PA, the funeral processed to the Sacred Heart Of Jesus Church, Peckville PA. After the Mass at the church, military honors, including pipes and bugle, were given by the U.S. Marine Corps.

Rest In Peace, Corporal Paul A. Steppacher, USMC. Your watch in this world is over, and now you stand watch in Glory!

Respectfully Submitted

Al Philo
Northeast PA State Coordinator, Warriors’ Watch Riders
Vice President, Friends of the Forgotten Inc.