The Castle Has Lost A Prankster

[Scott Reppert]

Stefan, "Chiller Theatre"'s "Castle Prankster" Passes

Stephen Michael Luncinski died suddenly last week at the age of 52. He was at his Baldwin home when he died. Luncinski is best remembered for playing the role of Stefan, the Castle Prankster on "Chiller Theater". Bill Cardille remembered Luncinski as "a beacon for a lot of people that needed help, assistance, and a pat on the back." The pair met during a trip to Las Vegas for the Jerry Lewis Telethon and Cardille mentioned the idea of adding a castle family to his Chiller Theater. A few years later, Luncinski was one of those added. Cardille remembers him as a positive person who, despite his special needs, "was never down, never sad."

Luncinski and his family have owned and operated local businesses including V&S Auto Inc. and Pinnacle Auto Service in Carrick. The family was able to carry the business into a time when the advancement of computers had put other family businesses out of business. Luncinski also unsuccessfully ran for state Senate in 1996 and Allegheny County Council in 1999.

Luncinski is survived by two sons, his parents and a brother.