Dr. Stephen Joseph Kaluzne

Dr. Stephen Joseph Kaluzne of Advance, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem. 

Born on December 2, 1949, in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, he was the eldest of three children of Stephen Benedict Kaluzne and Stella Paula Gladysz Kaluzne Lazor, who both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his grandchild, Christian Michael Walsh.

After graduating from Hickory High School in Pennsylvania, Dr. Kaluzne earned an Associate’s Degree in Electronics Technology from the Pennsylvania Technology Institute and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Pennsylvania State University. He went on to complete his Doctor of Optometry at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1978. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Kaluzne relocated to North Carolina, where he partnered with other optometrists to serve the Winston-Salem, High Point, and Lexington communities. He eventually established his own practice in Winston-Salem, where he continued to provide the community with exceptional eye care for 35 years. During this time, he developed a sports vision and vision therapy program that specialized in treating athletes as well as children with visual learning disabilities. Later in his career, he extended his expertise to Marines at Camp Lejeune, military veterans, and patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries. 

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Kaluzne most cherished time with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and his dogs, Max and Lola. He was an avid golfer for many years, opening One Putt Golf School and co-authoring Master the Art and Science of Putting, which combined his love of the game with his expertise in optometry. He also had a lifelong passion for vintage cars and racing his BMW. In his later years, he discovered a love of gardening, especially growing strawberries, and spent countless hours birdwatching from his back patio with his wife and their dogs by his side.

He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his kindness, his professional expertise, and the positive impact he made on the lives of so many. 

Dr. Kaluzne is survived by his wife, Debra Kaluzne; siblings, Robert “Bob” Kaluzne (Lesley) and Renee Lyden (Bill); children, Dr. Stephen P. Kaluzne (Sara), Dr. Lauren Walsh (Matt), Nicole Kaluzne, Jordan Harwood (Alex), Jessica Harwood, and Taylor Harwood (Cole); grandchildren, Charlotte Kaluzne, Grayson Kaluzne, Aidan Walsh, Sydney Walsh, and Lucas Walsh; nephews, Patrick Lyden (Lauren), Matthew Kaluzne; and niece, Lindsay Kaluzne. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home, 3315 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. 

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is respectfully serving the family.