Stephen J. Alach passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at his home in the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township. He was 74 years old.

Born in Perth Amboy on November 24, 1948 to the late Helen and John J. Alach, Sr., he has resided in Avenel for 30 years.

Mr. Alach owned and operated Tangles Salon in Sewaren for 25 years prior to his retirement.

A United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War, he was awarded the Purple Heart and many commendations for his service.

He is survived by his loving twin sister, Mary Ann Torra of Woodbridge, who cared for him when he was in need in recent years. Known lovingly as Uncle Steve, he is also survived by his nephew, Glen Alach and his wife Juliet, along with their children Isabella and Matthew, his nephew Peter Torra III and his wife Stephanie along with their children Marisol, Emilia and Peter Torra IV and his niece, Melissa Connors and her husband, Jim.

Steve came across a tough guy with a large presence and personality, but those who knew him best were more familiar with his booming laugh, quick wit and big, generous heart.

He loved to ride his motorcycle with friends, participating in Rolling Thunder to support his fellow veterans, and collected toys for donations during the holidays. He was often seen around town enjoying coffee and conversation with friends at QuickChek or fishing at his favorite spot.

A gifted artist, he generously shared his talents with his family by painting murals on his nieces' and nephews' nursery walls, building shelves for new homes from scratch and helping with projects, big and small, for anyone who asked. A brilliant musician and singer, he was eager to teach his nieces and nephews how to play the guitar and entertained family and friends at birthday, engagement and anniversary parties.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Joann, in 2019; and brother, John J. Alach, Jr., in 2018.

Mr. Alach was a communicant of Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Avenel; and a member of Avenel Memorial Post 7164, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Avenel.

Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. from Costello-Greiner Funeral Home (costello-greiner.com), 44 Green Street at Barron Avenue in Woodbridge. A Mass of Resurrection will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Andrew Catholic Church, Avenel. Cremation will be private. Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers contributions to the Disabled America Veterans (ihelpveterans.org) in Mr. Alach's memory would be greatly appreciated by his family.