Thursday, October 1, 2026
Rockville Centre resident Stephen Dacek II died suddenly on Monday. He was 51.
Dacek was an entrepreneur who specialized in programming and communications, and who had ties to a number of companies, often serving as chief technology officer. He worked with some of Wall Street’s largest firms in designing communications and security systems. According to the website of the cell phone game developer Cellufun, of which Dacek was Chief Operating Officer, nearly 10 percent of trading on the New York Stock Exchange is done on software Dacek designed.
He also worked for Xerox, creating all-in-one devices and new user interfaces, and held many patents.
Though his work was important, the center of Dacek’s life was his family. His son, Stephen III, said his father worked late at night so he would have time for them during the day.
“No matter how busy he was at work, he’d drop anything to be there for the kids,” said Eileen Vasilopoulos, who has been friends with the Daceks ever since their daughters started school together 17 years ago. “Helping to build a sailboat or attending every one of his daughter’s dance performances.”
Dacek also spent a great deal of time restoring his home on North Village Avenue, which was well-known in the community. Though his home was huge, it was rarely empty. Dacek loved to have his family and friends over for holidays, or any occasion that would allow him to entertain guests. Every year, his home would turn into the hub for costume and prop creation for the school district’s annual Red and Blue competition.
“Every inch of space there is taken up with cars,” said Vasilopoulos. “They have people coming and going, and nothing made them happier than having a house full of people.”
Vasilopoulos said that Dacek was a large and loving man, who always made guests in his home feel welcome.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne; his children, Stephen III, Mark, Megan, Phoebe and Benjamin; his mother, Lillian; and his siblings Caryn, Gregory, Raymond and Maria.
A graveside funeral service was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at Holy Rood Cemetery. Those who wish to attend should meet at Thomas A. Glynn & Son Funeral Home, 20 Lincoln Ave. in Rockville Centre, at 10 a.m.
