James Charles Stefanelli

James Charles Stefanelli obituary, Milford, DE

James Charles Stefanelli

James Stefanelli Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Parsell Funeral Homes-Atkins-Lodge Chapel - Lewes on Jan. 6, 2026.
James C. Stefanelli, age 67, left this earth peacefully on January 1, 2026 in Milford, DE with his loving husband by his side. Born on April 1, 1958, in Tiffin, Ohio, Jim was the beloved son of Joseph Stefanelli and the late Janet M. (Robenalt) Stefanelli.

In 2004, Jim met Allan J. Doonan and on December 7, 2013, he married his constant companion and the love of his life, Allan at their townhouse in Rehoboth Beach, DE.

A long-time resident of Bowling Green, Ohio, he built his first home there and worked 26 years for Henry Filters, Inc. Jim spent most of his time with the company as a project manager.

In 2017, Jim and Allan retired to Rehoboth Beach and became active volunteers and members of All Saints Episcopal Church. For several years, Jim volunteered working in the church garden and surrounding grounds. They also volunteered with the animal shelters at Humane Animal Partners working with the animals and assisting with several building projects.

Jim is survived by his devoted husband, Allan; his faithful rescue dog, Oakley; his father, Joseph, of Pemberville, OH; his siblings, Judy (Bob) Baldwin of Fostoria, OH; John (Barbara) Stefanelli of Howell, MI; Jeff (Dawn) Stefanelli of Gladwin, MI; Janis (Philip) Kokinakes of Rossford, OH; and Joseph M. (Debra) Stefanelli of Montpelier, OH; and his mother-in-law, Janet Doonan of Lewes, DE (the late James Doonan).

A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM at All Saints Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service for family and friends. Entombment will be private for family at All Saints Cemetery, Harbeson, DE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, Humane Animal Partners, Midway Plaza, 18675 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or Delaware Hospice, https://delawarehospice.org/.

Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.

FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026, TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support James's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor James Stefanelli's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign James Stefanelli's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?