Louis James Stefancich "Coach Stef" was born September 7, 1945 to Louis Julian and Pauline Stefancich. Stef passed away November 26, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Lois (Thomas) Beck, and brother-in-law John Jandura.

He is survived by his sister Carolyn Jandura, his dog Sammy, and the love of his life, Paula Rafailedes. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and close friends. Stef graduated from Lincoln High School in 1963, earned a Bachelor of Science from Wilmington College and a Master's Degree from Kent State. He started his teaching and coaching career at Souers Junior High School, then Crenshaw and finally, Timken High School. He taught physical education and was assistant football coach under Sonny Spilman in 1974, head track coach and assistant to wrestling Coach Pat O'Reilly at Lehman. Stef was a teacher first and coach second. He and his assistant coaches turned the Timken track program from winless to a phenomenal program having sectional, district, Regional, and State champions. "Conceive, Believe, Achieve. Put it on the track!" Was their motto. His staff earned Stark County Coaches of the Year four times.

Stef went into every endeavor 100% or not at all! He truly believed in his teaching and in his athletes as he developed a course for Juniors and Seniors called Diet, Nutrition, and Weight Training. Stef and Coach Tinlin started the Timken soccer program. They had several players play at collegiate level, including Dan Sheets who also competed at the Deaf Olympics. Their motto was "Unity, Family, Trojans."

The last few years of his career he was Timken's Athletic Director. Mr. Fred Harold was Stef's shorter friend and mentor. Stef was a very dedicated man who loved Lincoln High School, Coach Lou Vendetti, Timken High School students, and faculty. Stef's second career was working 15 years at Edwards Accounting during tax season, and he also worked as a personal trainer. He loved to travel, gamble, play cards, and dance. Elvis Presley was his favorite singer. He fought Alzheimer's for twelve years.

A special thank you to Allay Memory Care, Compassionate Care, Nobles Pond, Bethany Nursing Home, and their wonderful staff. Thank you Altman Hospice and all of our family and friends who came to visit. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lincoln Alumni, Timken Alumni, or the Humane Society in his name. Stef will be truly missed.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, December 1, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., with funeral services starting at 12:00 p.m. at the Rossi Family Funeral Home (730 30th Street NW Canton, Ohio 44709).

ROSSI (330)492-5830

www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com