Rest in Peace

Stephen George Takacs

MAY 4, 1948– AUGUST 19, 2025

Stephen George Takacs, 77, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on August 19, 2025.

He was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey on May 4, 1948, where he proudly achieved the accomplishment of Eagle Scout and graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1966. He served his country with the 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Division in the Vietnam War from 1968-1971. He later received his undergraduate degree from Duke University before settling in Raleigh, where his love of history led him on the path to become a lifelong and esteemed educator in the Wake County Public School System. He taught history at Broughton, Sanderson, and Millbrook High Schools, eventually obtaining his Masters of School Administration at North Carolina Central University. He held Assistant Principal positions at Millbrook and Cary High Schools, before becoming Principal of Ligon Middle School, and ultimately the inaugural Principal of Wakefield High School, where he retired in 2006 after more than 30 years of serving his community. Steve was a staunch proponent of public schools and is remembered as a highly regarded leader, dedicated educator, and mentor by many former students and colleagues.

Steve will be reminisced by friendships that he kept from his time in Phillipsburg, his years in the US Army, and especially those in his close-knit neighborhood community in Raleigh where he raised his family. His family will remember him as a voracious reader of non-fiction in his constant personal pursuit of learning and understanding. He will especially be remembered for his love of hosting his children and grandchildren (their PopPop) at the home he shared with Ann and his family for more than 45 years. They would regularly host meals, backyard pool days, and gather on the porch for fireside family time. He loved his family, and they will always cherish these times with him. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Steve is reunited with his wife, Ann Stuart Matthews Takacs, who preceded him in death by only five months. He is also preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Elsie Takacs (Arfmann). He is survived by his son Matthew Takacs (Austin), daughter Stephanie Bowers (Ryan), and Matthew's children Siann and River Takacs, all of Raleigh, NC; his sisters Christine Takacs of Macungie, PA, Jamie Dewey (Nick) of Albuquerque, NM, and Kathryn Kostohryz (Kelvin), also of Albuquerque, NM; three nieces (Emma, Sarah, and Claire) and a nephew (Stephen), and a grandnephew (Matias). Steve is also survived by many in-laws and countless friends who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Steve's Life will be held Saturday October 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 4900 Kaplan Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve's name can be made to Wake Education Partnership.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer from Sep. 11 to Sep. 14, 2025.

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