Stephen M. Mercatili, 50, of Orefield, died June 12, 2019, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

He and his wife Margaret L. (Castronova) Mercatili were married 16 years.

Born Sept. 5, 1968, in Goshen, Orange County, N.Y., he was the son of Julia E. (Nardi) Mercatili of Warwick, N.Y. and the late Peter D. Mercatili Sr.

He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Orefield.

A devoted husband to his wife, Peggy, and dedicated father to his two children, Peter and Helena, he enjoyed coaching his son’s basketball team and cheering for both his children at their baseball and softball games.

He was so proud of his family and all they had accomplished.

His passion for life and genuine love of people, coupled with his infectious smile and warm spirit, endeared him to all.

He welcomed anyone into his life and quickly made them part of his family.

He had a humble soul and a gracious heart, and was the most generous person one could know.

Passionate about his cooking, he took great pride in his “second kitchen.”

He mastered the secret family recipes that were passed down from his father.

His greatest joy was making Italian sausage, porchetta, ribs and stromboli.

He showed his love through his food and enjoyed cooking for family, friends and work colleagues.

He was a true New York Giants fan. His passion for his team, together with his signature dish, fajitas, made him legendary at Giants’ tailgates.

As a senior network analyst, his unwavering commitment and dedication to his job made him an integral asset to MIAX.

He loved going to work every day and took pride in his accomplishments.

His colleagues were like family. Cracking jokes and telling stories were a featured part of every work day.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by children Peter R. and Helena I., both at home; siblings Peter D. Jr. of Colonia, N.J., Daniel and his wife, Yasmina, of Cummings, Ga., Marcella A. Krauss and her husband, Steven, of Pleasantville, N. Y.

He was predeceased by a brother, Vincent J.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Education Fund for Peter and Helena Mercatili c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.