Lawrence Dominic Stefani

In Loving Memory of Lawrence D. Stefani
Lawrence "Larry" Stefani, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of dedication, kindness and unwavering love for his family and friends.
Cherished Family Man
Larry was a loving husband to Mary Jayne for 56 wonderful years. They were set up by Larry's good baseball buddy and Mary Jayne's close cousins. They dated long distance until Larry proposed after 6 months and were married shortly after, with Mary Jayne moving to Detroit from Chicago. Together, they built a life filled with warmth and unforgettable memories. He was a devoted father, always supportive and deeply proud of his sons' accomplishments. He loved coaching Chris & Dave's baseball and basketball games. He never missed a game.
Larry's love expanded with the arrival of his grandchildren - Marielle (13), Grant (11) and Colette (8) - or as he called them: Beautiful, Handsome, and Gorgeous. He was a source of boundless love, encouragement, fun, support and wisdom. Larry was a mainstay at most of their games, including: baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, swim, golf, basketball, field hockey, volleyball, flag football and lacrosse. He kept score at the games and even helped Marielle's team win the softball championship as the team's third base coach at 88 years old! He loved watching her pitch. Since then, Larry was a regular to see Grant's teams (his favorite was baseball) and most recently he watched Colette's soccer, swim and softball competitions. Larry always wanted to be around his grandkids and said he felt at his best when with them. He played with them, helped with reading/school work and fixed their toys. Larry never turned down an opportunity to babysit, including long visits to Chicago when Dave and Mary Noel lived there or staying at their house to watch the kids at 90 years old while they went to Michigan's recent National Championship game. The grandkids loved being around him, including sleeping over at his house 15-20 times per year. Whenever someone went to Grandpa's house, they were known as the "lucky ones", coined by Grant.
Dedicated Son, Brother and Friend
Born on the family kitchen table in 1933 just off 8 Mile Road to Andrew and Lucia, Larry was a loyal oldest son and brother. He loved and supported his two younger brothers Anthony and Charlie. Growing up, Larry enjoyed playing sports in the Detroit alleys and schoolyards with his brothers and friends. Baseball and basketball were his passions, so much so that he played competitive hardball until his late 30s and weekly pick-up basketball with his brothers and buddies for 45+ years - well into his mid-60s. He then transitioned to weekly tennis games with the fellas into his mid-70s.
Further, to Larry a friend in need was definitely a friend indeed. He was selfless - it was never about him. If family or friends needed help, Larry was the first to volunteer assistance. He proudly helped countless family and friends with all sorts of projects over the years.
His Home and Faith Life
Larry took incredible pride in his well-kept home and yard - the only home he lived in/owned for 55 years. He always looked up to his father, who was an extremely skilled tradesman. He loved working with tools and his hands. Larry had an incredible knack for making a home more durable via simple home improvement ideas. Later in life, he built Dave an all-american workbench, as it was important to him for his son to have one. Larry learned how to take pride in his work from his parents, his time in the military and his faith in God. Larry never missed a mass - he made sure he and his family were always at weekly mass whether they were traveling for a baseball tournament or having a busy weekend at home.
Military Service and Professional Career
Larry was an extremely humble and hardworking man. He honorably served his country as an Army Military Policeman during the Korean War, as he was stationed in Germany for several years. Following his service, Larry dedicated 43 years to Michigan Bell/Ameritech. He worked overtime every chance he had to pay for his sons' educations, which he was very proud of (while still always making time to coach their sports teams). Larry's work ethic and loyalty touched the lives of countless colleagues and friends.
Passion for Michigan Sports
A lifetime supporter of the University of Michigan, Larry's enthusiasm shone brightest during game days with the Michigan flag proudly flying outside the house. His passion for Michigan and all Detroit's sports teams (especially the Tigers) was ever present. Whether cheering from the stands or at home, Larry celebrated every victory and faced every defeat with pride and optimism.
A Life Well Lived
Larry Stefani's positive influence, steadfast love and exemplary character will be deeply missed, but forever remembered, by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He was a remarkable family man and friend to all. Larry's legacy lives on in the hearts of his beloved family and friends.
The eulogy will be given at the wake service at 7:30pm Friday night.
Loving husband to Mary Jayne Stefani. Beloved father to Christopher Stefani and David (Mary Noel) Stefani. Cherished grandfather to Marielle, Grant, and Colette. Caring brother to Anthony (Corine) Stefani and Charles (the late Inez) Stefani. Larry is preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Lucia Stefani.
Visitation Friday, July 18 2025 from 3-9 at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Instate Saturday, July 19, 2025 9:00 am until Funeral Mass at 9:30 am at St. Blase Catholic Church, 12151 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights MI 48312. Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township to follow.
Memorial donations in Larry's honor may be made to Tunnels To Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org/donate/ or to the Wounded Warriors Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=10043&ovr_acv_id=5246
Please share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com