Theodore Martin "Ted" Stefanik

Theodore Martin Stefanik “Ted” died peacefully at his home in Venice, Florida, on June 12, 2020 following a long battle with cancer, which robbed him of his health, but not his spirit, faith, courage, or sense of humor. He fought valiantly, never being negative, and always appreciative of the love shown him every day of his illness. Ted was born Oct. 16, 1932 in Johnstown, PA, son of Martin and Catherine (Strazik) Stefanik. He was also preceded in death by his wife Jeannie (Milavec) Stefanik, brothers Frank, Edward, and sister Elaine (Stefanik) Reese. He is survived by his brother Raymond of Alexandria, VA. and his wife Roberta (Silvia) Rodgers, whom he married in 2000, his children, Susan, wife of John Lucas of Nashville, TN, Theodore, husband of Diana Gill of Harvard, MA, Christina, wife of Rick Stauts, of Orlando, FL, John Stefanik, husband of Elizabeth (Horne) Stefanik of Orlando, FL, and Ramona, wife of Carey Hixson, of Shawboro, NC. He had 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was also much loved by Roberta’s five children, 13 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. A graduate of Johnstown H. S. in 1950, Ted joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1950-1954 during the Korean War as an electronic technician, first class. He travelled around the world for two years aboard the USS Saipan, CVL48. He attended several reunions in various U S cities, honoring his shipmates. Always loyal to the U. S. military, he loved his country, and considered those years some of the best of his life. He graduated from U of Pittsburgh with a BS in Electrical Engineering, and later earned an MS in Electrical Engineering from Drexel as well as an MS in Management from Rollins College. As a professional engineer he was employed in 1959 by Glen L Martin Co and Research Institute of Advanced Science (Baltimore), Martin Marietta (Denver), and Lockheed Martin (Orlando). He was named Martin Engineer of the Year twice. He retired in 1995. Ted was a member of IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Ted’s favorite hobby after he and Roberta moved to Venice was updating and refurbishing computers and giving them to students from first grade through high school and adults for education or job training. He supported several churches of all faiths, setting up computer labs or providing computers for special events. Ted was honored by Sarasota Schools and many area charities for his work, totaling nearly 500 computers given away. Ted loved gardening and grew a variety of crops in his planting boxes at home, as well as in a plot offered him by his friends of the nearby LDS church. His garden was a showplace. Several friends expressed their belief that Ted would have a garden to tend in heaven. Ted’s family is particularly grateful to Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, and the in-home services of Tidewell Hospice, Venice, FL. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to these organizations, as well as Ted’s favorite charity, Our Mother’s House, Venice, FL, which supports mothers and children in need. A memorial mass is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Church, Johnstown, interment following at St. Francis Cemetery.