Obituary of Stanley M. Stefanik
Stanley Michael Stefanik
Dundee: Stanley Michael Stefanik, age 74, of Dundee, NY passed away peacefully on Thursday December 14, 2017, surrounded by family at Keuka Comfort Care Home in Penn Yan, NY.
Stan was born August 13, 1943 in Adams, Massachusetts, the son of Michael Stanley Stefanik and Rozalia "Rose" (Zieminski) Stefanik. He graduated from high school in Adams, Massachusetts, then earned his BS from North Adams State College, and his MS from Syracuse University. He was a science teacher at Elmira Free Academy, Bradford Central School, and Dundee Central School, retiring from Dundee Central School in 2000. Mr. Stefanik advised classes and student council, and was trusted by scores of students as a good listener and a counselor. Throughout his 35 year career, he was known as a caring, dedicated teacher who made learning fun. Following retirement, Stan drove buses for K-Ventures, Coach & Equipment, and the Office for the Aging. He also served as a handyman for many people, reliable for both routine and emergency repairs.
On July 16, 1966 in Elmira, NY he married the former Elaine P Horst, and was proud to be her beloved husband for 51 years. He became a dedicated father to three sons; Todd, Robb, and Rick. He enjoyed spending his summers and free time with his family biking, hiking, camping, swimming, building, and tinkering. Stan did not limit his parenting to his blood offspring, becoming a father figure to many of his children's friends and his students as well. Throughout his life, he put his loved ones first. He loved listening to music with a message, and in later years enjoyed spending time with his wife going to restaurants, movies, performances, and taking bus tours of the US.
Stan was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church for 48 years, living out his strong faith in God and enjoying the fellowship of his church family. He used his carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills to maintain the building throughout his time there.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine (Horst) Stefanik; sons, Todd (Emily Van Ark), Robb (Danielle), and Rick (Cassondra) Stefanik; eight grandchildren, Makayla, Cole, Josslyn Hizer, Ryan, Evan, Kylie, Katrina, and Liam; a sister-in-law, June Crans; and several nieces, nephews; and many cousins and friends. Besides his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brother Andrew.
Calling hours will be held at Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water St. in Dundee from 5-7pm on Thursday Dec. 28 and from 10-11am at St. Paul's Evanelical Lutheran Church, 135 Hamilton St. in Penn Yan on Friday Dec 29. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Friday Dec. 29, at St. Paul's with the Rev. Johnathan Deibler officiating. Burial will be at 3pm at Hillside Cemetery in Dundee, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Keuka Comfort Care, PO box 107, Penn Yan, NY 14527, Ontario-Yates Hospice and Palliative Care Association, 756 Pre-Emption Rd, Geneva, NY 14456, or St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 135 Hamilton St, Penn Yan, NY 14527.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.