Joseph Anthony Stefaniak

We are all given a moment of time between the birth date and the death date. A little " - " that tells our entire story, the life we led, and the people our ripple in the water touched.
For Joseph Anthony Stefaniak (born April 12, 1955), his charismatic presence stood out in a crowded room! A mischievous smile, that twinkle in his baby blue eyes, Joey loved being the life of the party. He lived his life with no regrets and wore his heart on his sleeve, whether right or wrong. If you were to pass by his living room, the volume would be cranked up to 100 to hear the shouting of game show answers or the iconic whistle of the Andy Griffith show. The roar was deafening on football Sundays, when Joe's feet would pound, his cheers would shout and the terrible towel would wave frantically in support of his favorite Pittsburgh Steelers. Home town pride always ran deep!
Joey grew up in North Apollo, PA near Griftlo Park with his beloved parents, Joseph "Big Joe" Stefaniak and Marjorie (Leech). He was the cherished baby of the family with older siblings Judith (Reich), David and Vicki (Hunter). He graduated from Elders Ridge Highschool in 1973, when fast cars, free love and good times was the air that filled his lungs.
Working alongside his bloodline and role models, Joe learned the hard work and skillful art of cement masonry, while proudly wearing the "Stefaniak Brothers Cement Contractors" name. The "Hunky Swirl" could be found beautifully crafted in sidewalks all over town. After 40 years of working the family business, Joe branched off into his own legacy, where "JAKKAB Concrete Construction" was born. Named after his family, Joseph Anthony Karen (Brank) Kayla (Heasley) And Bethany (Reed), he carried the responsibility of professionalism and craftsmanship, boasting "A job I'm proud to put my name on".
Nothing swelled his chest with pride more than his family. His love could be quietly found in the meticulous choosing of the "perfect" anniversary card, shared passion for travel adventures with family and friends, or the joyful tears that would glisten his eyes when talking about his wife and 2 daughters, "my girls".
After retiring his entrepreneur incorporation in 2011, Joey spent the remainder of his life enjoying the beauty of God's creation right here in the Alle-Kiski Valley. Joe was at his happiest relaxing on his front porch, with a cold beer in his hand, watching the river go by. He'd count the kayaks on holiday weekends or admire the changing leaves along the riverbank; chuckle when his 4 sweet grandbabies (Everly, Easton, Owen and Adalyn) would chase the ducks or just sit and talk to God, all while tapping his toes to the oldies, sunshine warm on his face.
On a gorgeous Autumn afternoon (September 10, 2025), Joseph Anthony Stefaniak passed peacefully and surrounded by love. His devoted wife of 38 years and two daughters, sat right next to him on that front porch, gazing out into the calm Kiski river; his favorite place in the world, exactly where he wanted to be, when the good Lord called him home.
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Friends will be received on Sunday, September 14, 2025 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm in the Curran-Shaffer Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 100 Owens View Ave. Apollo. There will be no viewing on Monday. Parting prayers of transfer will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 9:30a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00a.m. in St. James Roman Catholic Church, 109 Owens View Ave., Apollo, with Father Vincent E. Zidek as celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe's memory to the Roaring Run Watershed Association, PO Box 333, Apollo, PA 15613.