Alan J. Stefan

Obituary
Alan J. Stefan, 68, of Norton, Ohio became absent from the body, but present with the Lord early on the morning of September 28, 2023 after a short battle with cancer. He had successfully received a liver transplant earlier in the year, but was diagnosed with terminal cancer while recovering from the procedure.
"Cowboy Sam" as he was affectionately referred to by his loving wife of 42 years, Paula, and "Jolene", a family friend, was born in the old Barberton Hospital on July 8, 1955 and grew up in Portage Lakes, the son of Joe and Betty Stefan, who preceded him in death. He was one of four siblings, Gary M. Stefan, who has also passed away, Chris Stefan, and Sue (Larry) Joyner. He was a 1973 graduate of Coventry High School. A few years after graduating, Al went to work at Cardinal Rubber in Barberton and stayed there for 44 years. Al worked hard at everything he put his hand to, including many side jobs, and through the years provided well for his family. He and Paula settled in on a beautiful piece of property in Norton and raised a daughter, Maria Elaine, who was truly her "daddy's little girl".
While building an addition onto their home, Maria fell in love with the contractor, Kenny Novak, and eventually married him. They gave Al a precious granddaughter, Emmy. Emmy was the pride and joy of her Papaw's life and he spent many happy hours doing everything he could to spoil her. Besides being a great son-in-law, Kenny became a cherished friend as well. This friendship was important as they frequently had to defend themselves because they were severely outnumbered on Huntsberger Drive.
Al was also a faithful member of the Calvary Bible Holiness Church where he led worship on Sunday mornings. His love for Jesus was a precious legacy that Al leaves behind for his family and friends.
Throughout his life, "Cowboy Sam" loved camping, outside activity and anything related to the west. Western wear (something that his loyal wife put up with) cowboy boots, cowboy hats, old westerns, a western town in his backyard and traveling out West. Who can ever forget the great times at Candlewood Lake, the blockbuster summer parties at their home, and the pleasant evenings shared around a campfire. Usually quiet, a true man of few words, Al honed the time-honored craft of story-telling and kept those around him amused with the anecdotes. He particularly enjoyed "telling a tall tale" at the expense of "Mother Wolfe", his mother-in law. Paula's parents, Rev. and Mrs. Leonard Wolfe, also preceded him in death.
Al is also survived by an "adopted" daughter, Alecia Renner, three sisters-in-law, a couple of brothers-in-law, a few nephews, a niece, and several great nephews and niece. Besides family, there are many people who have been happy to call Al a friend, and these relationships were special to him.
Al has left us for a time, but a great reunion is anticipated. Plan on meeting him again at his Mansion Over the Hilltop.
A time of visitation will be held Monday, October 2, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Barberton Bible Holiness Church located at 375 37th St. SW, Barberton OH. A service to celebrate Al's life and God's grace will follow at 12 noon. Interment will be at River Styx Cemetery in Wadsworth, OH.
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