Stephen Zrenda Jr.
Edmond, Okla. — Stephen A. Zrenda Jr. entered eternal life Jan. 16, 2021. He was born in New London on Aug. 2, 1945, the son of Stephen A. Zrenda and Dorothy A. Zrenda.
He attended
St. Bernard High School, an exceptional student-athlete, well known for his varsity basketball and baseball accomplishments. He was duly inducted into the SBHS Athletic Hall of Fame.
He was recruited by UConn for basketball and baseball and played alongside standout players Wes Bialosuknia, Bill Holowaty and Tom Penders.
Steve played summer baseball during his college break days with the Vagabonds of the Morgan League in New London. Rollie Pier, the head coach of the Vagabonds, introduced and trained Steve in the sport of boxing and he fought several bouts as an amateur in Hartford at that time.
Steve served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, during the Vietnam conflict. He routinely placed himself in harm’s way for the good of his fellow soldiers. Steve was awarded the Bronze Star and Silver Star for his gallantry in action.
Upon his return from Vietnam, Steve attended and graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Law, commencing his professional career as a compliance officer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Atlanta, Ga.
Thereafter, he served as General Counsel for Patrick Petroleum Inc. in Jackson, Mich. He later established his own securities law practice in Oklahoma City, serving a global and diverse corporate clientele.
Steve was highly skilled and accomplished in the martial arts, earning black belt recognition. He participated in an array of karate tournaments in Oklahoma and nationally over the years.
Steve notably rescued an injured woman to safety from the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, his name embellished on the Survivor’s Memorial Wall.
Steve is survived by his spouse, Lea Zrenda, an accomplished sculptor, married for 28 years, residing in the Oklahoma City area. They enjoyed summer vacations and family gatherings in Connecticut over the years.
Clearly, Steve’s family was paramount in his life. He especially enjoyed attending his children’s school activities, including school sports events, plays, concerts, recitals and quiet time; favorite outdoor activities included hiking, skiing and water sports.
Steve’s children include Anne Murphy (Kevin) of Chicago, Ill.; Katie McNair (Tom) of Cleveland, Ohio; Philip Zrenda (Kristyn) of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Ava Zrenda of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Justin Grisham (Stephanie) of Edmond, Okla.; and Jaimie Bleything (Tim) of Edmond, Okla.
Brothers and sisters include Ellen Chandler (Bruce) of East Lyme; Jerry Zrenda (Karen) of Old Lyme; Joanne Z. Moore (Joe) of East Lyme; Marian Landry (Art) of Old Lyme; Joe Zrenda of Old Lyme; and Laurie Zrenda of East Lyme.
Final arrangements and services are pending and will be announced at a later date.