Michael Stefaniuk

MICHAEL STEFANIUK, age 86, died peacefully at his home in Ashland, Ohio, on January 2nd, 2024.

Michael was born in Mykolychyn, Ukraine, on June 7th, 1937, as the middle child of seven. His childhood was marked with adversity as his family left Ukraine in search of safety only to find themselves in the midst of World War II. After the war, Michael and his family made their way through Ellis Island and on to Texas (briefly) until they settled in Newark, NJ. After high school graduation, he spent six years in the Army National Reserves, graduated culinary school in Minnesota, and met his wife. They eventually settled in Ashland, OH, where he built his dream home and enjoyed his six children, large garden, and an orchard full of fruit trees. He worked as a bricklayer for 40 years, honing his craft to an expert level. Upon retirement Michael spent his time with his children and grandchildren, sharing his dark chocolate when they would visit. He lived his life for his family, and always put their needs before his own. Those who knew him remember him as a firm believer in Christ, devoted father, kind and generous man, hard worker, and health-nut.

He was the loving father of Kathryn (deceased), Michael (Marianna), Daniel (Diana), Daria Berkebile, Peter (Rebekah), Paul (Marisa) and Annalisa Clemens (Daniel); grandfather of Alex (Cassidy), Emily, William, Hinton, Madeline Claire, Daniel Berkebile, Sara Berkebile, Katherine, Mariana, Asher, Caroline, Wesley, Natalie, Andrew, Alayna, Anna, Michael Clemens, Evangeline Clemens, Nathan Clemens; great grandfather of Haven; son of the late Petro and Kataryna; loving brother of Julia Trotch, John (deceased) (Anna), Bill (Stefania), Anna Kakis (Peter), and Maria Murray; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crates for Ukraine . Services at the funeral home will be Friday January 12, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at RIPEPI Funeral Home, Interment St. Andrews Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends received at the RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), THURSDAY January 11, from 3-7 P.M.