Joseph Paul Stefanko

Joseph Paul "Joe" Stefanko, 82, of Hendersonville, NC died September 15, 2025, after slowly declining health.

The youngest of three boys, Joe was born on January 17, 1943, in Camden, NJ. After graduating from Lower Cape May Regional High School in Cape May, NJ, Joe apprenticed as an electrician. He was awarded a contractor license and started his own one-man electrical business.

Having awakened his entrepreneurial spirit, Joe bought a family motel in Old Forge, NY and managed it for many years. After selling it, he bought a small motel on the Atlantic coast in Wildwood Crest, NJ, which he managed along with his wife, Miriam, for three years.

Business at the beach motel was slow during the winter, so Joe and Miriam took vacation time and traveled extensively, including Alaska, Arizona, Florida, California, Missouri, Virginia, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and Aruba. Because of its mild climate and beautiful vistas, they decided to retire in western North Carolina and purchased their current home in 2002.

Joe was a man of many skills. In addition to being an electrician and motel manager, he was an accomplished woodworker. Several of his masterpieces grace his NC home, including a cedar chest, fireplace mantel, nightstands, drop-leaf table, curio cabinet, chess table, and other decorative items, many of which he fashioned from the wood he salvaged from a large oak tree that fell in his yard. He also completely renovated his kitchen. His well-appointed home workshop, a favorite hangout, would be the envy of any professional carpenter.

Joe was known for his wordplay, especially his puns, which often led to appreciative groans from his family and friends.

Joe was predeceased by his parents and two brothers. He is survived by Miriam, his loving wife of 26 years; son Joseph (Diane) Stefanko; daughter Karen (David) Roberts; stepdaughter Lisa (Charles) Black; stepsons Alan Jeffrey (A.J.) Leatherman and Jasen (Kristine) Leatherman; eight grandchildren (Michael, Daniel, William, Cameron, Cathleen, Shawn, Matthew, and Megan); and two great-grandchildren (Amelia and Wyatt).

A private service for the family will be held.