Stephen J. Stanec 1953-2025

Born April 6, 1953, in Youngstown, Stephen was the son of Steve and Philomena Stanec.

He grew up on the East Side of Youngstown in a close-knit family alongside his sisters, and carried those strong family values with him throughout his life. He was a graduate of Ursuline High School.

Stephen devoted his life to those he loved. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Julia, of Austintown; his children, Stephen J. (Meri) Stanec Jr. of Charleston, South Carolina, Jennifer (Glen) Stanec Gonsalves of Dallas, Texas, Mike Stanec of Canfield, Michelle Stanec of Austintown; and stepdaughter, Jennifer Robb.

He was a proud and adoring Papa to Isabella, Mila, Sofia, Kaitlin, Jewel, Brinley, Declan; and his stepgrandchildren, Maddie and Mason.

Stephen was one of a kind — a truly amazing father and Papa. His sense of humor, sharp wit, generous spirit, and fierce devotion to his family were unmatched. He was also an incredible cook, known for his homemade spaghetti, raviolis, manicotti, cavatellis and wedding soup. Cooking for and feeding his family and friends was his love language, and sharing those meals brought him profound joy. The kitchen was where his heart shined brightest, and the traditions he created there will be treasured for generations.

He is also survived by his sisters, Janet Stanec and Deborah (Victor) Burnett, along with his nieces and nephews, Dawn Blinsky, John Blinsky, Greg (Lisa) Blinsky, Rachel Kusnic, Jillian (Justin) Eddy and Peter Kusnic.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Philomena Stanec; his sister, Shirley Stanec; his uncle Johnny and grandmother, Olga Massaro, with whom he shared his childhood home; and his beloved labradoodle, Mrs. Schroeder, who brought him so much joy.

Calling hours will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, 4303 Mahoning Ave., where prayers will take place at 10:30 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Blaise Parish, St. Joseph Church, 4545 New Road, Austintown.

Entombment will take place at Greenhaven Memorial Gardens.

Stephen’s legacy will live on in the memories of all who loved him and in the kindness, humor, warmth and strength he brought into the world. And though we will carry him with us always, there will forever be a “Papa love”-sized hole in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

(special notice)