John Stefano Obituary

John M. Stefano

Jun 1, 1937 - Apr 21, 2024

Port Clinton

John M. Stefano, 86, of Port Clinton, passed away Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Cleveland Clinic following a lengthy illness.

John was born June 1, 1937, in Tyler, Pennsylvania, to John and Cecelia (Fisherowski) Stefano. He graduated from the Lawrence Park High School in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he was an exceptional basketball player. He served his country in U.S. Army. He married his wife of almost 65 years, Martha A. (Meliska) Stefano, on June 20, 1959, in Port Clinton, and she survives.

John was an agent for The Prudential Life Insurance Co. for 32 years. He served as the coroner investigator for Dr. Gil Bucholz for many years, as well as a deputy with the Ottawa County Sheriff Reserves for 32 years.

John was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Port Clinton. He was a member and 1979 Commodore of Port Clinton Yacht Club. He was a 32° Mason of Oliver H. Perry Lodge #341 and Perseverance Lodge #329, and enjoyed Port Clinton Colonial Club.

An avid fisherman and charter boat captain, he was a member and served as an officer for Lake Erie Charter Boat Captains Association. For many years, John fought to get protection for walleye in Lake Erie. In retirement, John worked for the Sassy Sal and the security guard for Brand's Marina Pool and Port Clinton Yacht Club.

John was kind-hearted with a stern and dry wit.

John is also survived by two sons, John Stefano of Port Clinton and Jim (Lata) Stefano of Huron; grandson, John Mark Stefano; four granddaughters, Claire Stefano, Ellyana Birmingham, Indira Stefano, and Sofia Stefano; brother, Don Stefano of Erie, Pennsylvania; two sisters, Marie Cuzzila of Erie, Pennsylvania, and Carol (Robert) Samson of Phoenix, Arizona; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank Stefano and Raymond Stefano in infancy; and sister, Viola Oatman.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Church, 414 Madison Street, Port Clinton. Inurnment will be at Riverview Cemetery, Port Clinton. A celebration of John's life will follow at Port Clinton Yacht Club.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lake Erie Foundation (lakeeriefoundation.org), Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org), or charity of your choice.

Condolences may be shared online at www.auxterfuneralhomes.com.