Chase Alumni Association

 

Stephen Jurcsek, a Hungarian immigrant who began working in the mail room at Chase Manhattan in 1965 and retired from the bank in 1995 as as Vice President of Corporate Benefits, died on August 5, 2026.

 

Born in Budapest, he came to America as a young man after fleeing the oppression of the Communist regime during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. At just 17 years old, he arrived in New York City on January 1, 1957. The first thing he saw in his new country was the Statue of Liberty – a sight that would remain a fitting symbol of the freedom and opportunity he cherished throughout his life.

 

Determined to build a new life in America, Stephen quickly learned English and became a United States citizen as soon as he was eligible. He began his professional career at The Chase Manhattan Bank in the mail room while attending college at night. Through hard work, perseverance, and determination, he earned his MBA and ultimately rose to the position of Vice President of Corporate Benefits before retiring.

 

He also met the love of his life at the bank – Grace. The two were married for nearly 62 years and built a life together in Edison, NJ, where the two made their home since 1971.

 

Jurcsek was a man of deep faith and a devoted communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Francis of Assisi Council #3272, where he was a Grand Knight, and Albert Karwowski Holy Innocents 4th Degree Assembly #1665.

 

Above all else, Jurcsek loved his family beyond measure. He was a constant and enthusiastic presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren, supporting their interests and cheering them on through every stage of their lives. Over the years, he seemed never to miss a baseball game, Scout event, dance recital, basketball game, talent show, track meet, soccer match, theatre performance or football game. He continued following his grandchildren's accomplishments as they moved on to college sports and other activities.

 

Jurcsek made being a grandfather (of seven) look easy. Affectionately known to many as Pop-Pop, he had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. He was warm, engaging, generous with his time, and genuinely interested in the people around him. His love of travel took him to many places, but he especially treasured returning to his beloved Hungary and reconnecting with his homeland, his family and his friends.

 

Jurcsek leaves behind a legacy of courage, perseverance, faith, love, and devotion to family. His journey from a 17-year-old immigrant arriving in New York with little more than hope for a better life to a successful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather is a testament to the strength of his character and his gratitude for the opportunities America provided him.

He is survived by his wife, Grace Ann (née Zucker); his sons Stephen J.  and Thomas, both Chase alumni, with whom he proudly attended many Chase Alumni Association rerceptions -- and their wives, Lynn and Christine (also a Chase alumna); and a daughter, Kathy Stein and her husband, Mark. He is also survived by his grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families overseas.

The visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, 568 Middlesex Ave. (Route 27), Metuchen.

Services will begin on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 8:30 AM at the funeral home, followed by a 9 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Burial Park in Piscataway.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson Voice Project.