Obituary of Stephen B. Stofsick

Stephen B. Stofsick, 96, died Friday, April 22 in Cuyahoga Falls, joining many of his beloved family members in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Born in Harrisonburg, Virginia on June 19, 1919, Steve moved with his parents to Akron in 1921, where he grew up in Goodyear Heights with his brother, Joe; and sister, Thelma. He attended Betty Jane School and then went on to graduate from Akron East High School in 1938. Following graduation, Steve proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a member of the 11th Horse Cavalry, and after the start of the War, the 10th Armored Division. As a Staff Sergeant, he commanded tanks in the European Theater, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and was the recipient of 3 Battle Stars, a Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Upon returning home at War’s end, Steve attended college on the GI Bill, receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Kent State University. He then began his 34-year teaching career at Hudson High School where he taught Biology and History, coached, and advised countless high school seniors on their futures. Steve married Kitty in 1954 and they raised their three children in Cuyahoga Falls. As both Kitty and Steve were school teachers, the summers were free for the family to spend at a little cabin on the Pickerel River in Ontario, Canada. Hiking, swimming, fishing and canoeing were favorite pastimes for decades. When he retired, Steve spent his time traveling with family and friends, ballroom dancing, hiking all the trails in parks near and far, reading as many books as he could, and fishing and canoeing at the cabin. Steve will be remembered by all who knew him for his wonderful, if somewhat warped, sense of humor and his steadfast sense of right. “You just do the right thing,” he so often said, “It makes all the decisions easier.” Always ready with a joke and a piece of hard candy from his pocket, he delighted in a good prank, a good story, and leaving everyone with a smile. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Preceded in death by his dear parents, B. Stephen and Bessie Stofsick; brother, Joseph; and sister, Thelma; Steve is survived and will be dearly missed by his children, Stacy (Bill) Yorde of Florida, Leanne of Cuyahoga Falls, Stephen B. (Marian) of Stow; grandchildren, Melissa Yorde, Ryan (Rachel)Yorde, Rebecca (Bernabe) Mejia of Virgina, Jaqueline Stofsick of Stow; 6 great grandchildren; and friend and former wife, Kitty Stofsick whose loving care these past few years has been greatly appreciated. Memorial service will be held Saturday, 11:30 a.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home McGowan-Reid & Santos Chapel, 247 Stow Ave. (one block North of Portage Trail at 3rd St.) Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221 where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment will be held at a later date. (Anthony, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-1313, www.anthonyfh.com)