Obituary of Dr. Stephen Paul Wargacki

Dr. Stephen Paul Wargacki, 47, of Lebanon, New Jersey, passed away far too soon on March 28, 2025. (We’re still trying to convince the universe it must be some kind of clerical error.)

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Haley, who loved his endless curiosity, perspective and sharp wit. He was a doting and devoted father to the adventurous Aria June, and Dahlia Leigh, who is expected to arrive soon and will be welcomed into a world full of stories about her amazing father. 

He is also survived by his siblings—Liz Slate and her partner Steve, Michael Wargacki and his wife Kim, and Cheryl Johnson and her husband Brian. He was a caring uncle, a steadfast friend, and the sort of person who made you feel like the most interesting person in the room (even if you weren’t).

Born on March 7, 1978, in Paterson, New Jersey, to Elizabeth and Michael J. Wargacki, Steve grew up in the Lake Neepaulin community of Wantage, New Jersey. Alongside some of his best friends, including Brian Weiss, Richie Weiss, Matt Lockburner and many, many more, he spent his childhood exploring every square inch of nearby woods and lakes. A wild-hearted (maybe even feral) adventurer even as a kid, Steve was often found hiking, fishing, building questionable shelters, or somehow winding up at the top of trees.

Steve’s adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors did not end with his childhood escapades in the lake-it carried over into adulthood wit “Quad Fest” and golf trips that became legendary among friends. Every year, a group that included some of his closest friends would set off on a weekend of off-roading and endless laughs. Whether it was navigating treacherous trails on his ATV or telling stories Steve thrived in the wilderness and amongst his friends. Steve’s energy and enthusiasm made every trip an adventure worth taking,

While he may have been wild at heart, Steve had a brilliant mind and was a passionate learner. He was placed in advanced academic tracks at High Point High School. Not only was he a gifted student, Steve was also an accomplished wrestler, where his toughness served him well.  After graduating high school, he headed south to Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky, where he completed a dual degree in Chemistry and Physics in just three years. Even while immersed in academia, Steve would vanish into the woods for days or weeks at a time. He later earned his Doctorate of Chemistry from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

After a period of roaming the country, including doing some work for a three letter Federal agency,  Steve returned to New Jersey, where fate introduced him to Haley and they launched their journey together at the Sussex County Fair. On their first official date, he famously, and unexpectedly, chased her through a fountain in a park in Hoboken—soaked, smiling and leaving Haley smitten. It was seven short years later that they were married in that same park, surrounded by friends and loved ones. 

While working as a chemist, Steve developed multiple patents and was driven by a deep desire to improve the lives of patients. His passion for science led to a remarkable career, culminating in his proudest professional achievement: becoming Chief Science Officer at Aquestive Therapeutics. There, he played a key role in developing new treatments that made a meaningful difference in the world.

Despite everything he accomplished—as an outdoorsman, student, athlete, chemist, and leader—Steve’s greatest achievement by far was being a father. He approached fatherhood the way he approached everything that mattered: with diligence, energy, and heart. He loved teaching Aria everything he knew—encouraging her to be brave, strong, and endlessly curious, just like him. Nothing brought him greater joy than showing her the world: how to climb the nearest tree, how to spot the northern star at sunset (or, more accurately, the moon—since he may have told her they were part werewolf), and how to embrace life with wonder and love.

Watching her learn made him light up, and he cherished every moment of being her dad. He was eagerly looking forward to doing it all again with Dahlia Leigh.

Steve was a true frontiersman at heart—never one to shy away from a cliff that looked a little too high to jump from, or a tree that was clearly taller than it needed to be. Steve had myriad passions including ATVing, Salmon fishing, camping, lawn maintenance, hiking, golfing, spending time with his daughter, grilling, cooking and hosting parties.Steve was known not only for being the life of the party, but for making sure everyone around him was having a great time too. He was sharp, quick-witted, empathetic, kind-hearted, and loyal to a fault. He had a rare ability to win over just about everyone he met. Somehow, Steve always put others first—and still managed to come out ahead.

He will be deeply missed.

Relatives and friends may vist with the family on Friday, April 4th from 2:00 until 6:00PM at Martin Funeral Home, located at 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809. Funeral service will be held on Satutrday, April 5th at 2:00PM at the funeral home. Please arrive between 1:30 and 2:00 PM prior to the start of the service. Cremation will follow all services.

In lieu of flowers, the Wargacki family will be setting up an education fund for Stephen’s daughter Aria. Those who wish may send checks in Aria Wargacki’s name to Martin Funeral Home, 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809. You may also bring them with you on the day of Stephen’s services.