Frederick R. Stefanovsky Sr. 1937-2025

Bob was born Jan. 6, 1937, at home in Masury, a son to Frank R. and Sarafina Jasenec Stefanovsky.

He was a 1954 graduate of Brookfield High School and shortly thereafter enlisted with the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Bob was a well-respected stonemason whose talented hands touched many homes, structures and signs throughout the Valley. His reputation as a fireplace mason will remain prominent as the years go on. He was an excellent builder and inventor who perfected his craft.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sharon, Pa.; Jerusalem Lodge 19, F&AM, Hartford; the former International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 43, Warren; International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 8, Youngstown; and the Family Motor Coach Association.

In his spare time, he loved working on his antique John Deere tractors, riding his bicycle and sharing his endless wisdom with others. He spent many years snowmobiling with his friends and family. and the love of this sport carried on through his children and grandchildren. He was also known for converting an Anderson tour bus into a beautiful private motor coach and traveled all over with family and friends for years. In his earlier years, he was an avid boater and water skier, and actually built his own boat, which he raced on every lake around. Although he lived a life full of extreme sports, building, inventing and hard work, his most cherished moments were time spent with his family and friends sitting outside his shop, engaging in endless banter and enjoying sunsets.

Mourning his loss are his wife of 63 years, Mary Lois Hartwell Stefanovsky, whom he married Sept. 22, 1962; children, Bob Stefanovsky Jr. and Cynthia Vogel (Paul), both of Brookfield, and Jodi Lynn Johnston (Matt) of Hubbard; grandchildren, Pauly Vogel (Alyssa), Olivia Yendrek (Blake), Mathew Johnston and Grace Johnston; sister-in-law, Anna Stefanovsky of Hermitage, Pa.; many nieces and nephews with whom he was close; as well as many others who considered him a second father.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Frank Stefanovsky, Kay Dorulla, Rudy Stefanovsky and Ernie Stefanovsky.

A time of memorial gathering will be held in Bob’s honor, 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, in the home of Briceland Funeral Service LLC, 379 state Route 7 SE, Brookfield, OH 44403. A Masonic service will conclude the evening at 7 p.m.

A memorial Mass will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon, PA 16146.

As suggested by his family, memorial contributions can be made to Southern Care Hospice or the Brookfield Township Fire Department, both in care of the funeral home.

Coordination of this tribute for Mr. Stefanovsky was presented by Daniel Briceland, owner and director, 330-509-3135. Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com.

(special notice)