Dr. Michael J. De Stefano

Dr. Michael Joseph De Stefano, M.D, 80, of South Bend, formerly of Chicago, passed away suddenly December 3, 2025.

Michael was born September 28, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Michael De Stefano and Helen (Clarke) De Stefano. He attended St. David's Grade School and De La Salle High School. He earned his undergraduate degree at St. Mary's College in Winona, Minnesota and his M.D. at the University of Illinois, Chicago. He went on to become a Doctor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, delivering babies in Chicago, Fort Leonard Wood, MO (where he served as a Major in the U.S. Army), and finally in South Bend. There he proudly brought midwifery to Memorial Hospital, a progressive idea at the time. Over the years, Michael delivered over 5,400 babies and often met many of them again in public as adults. He always enjoyed those conversations. Michael completely retired as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist in 2015, a practice that he loved.

Michael was the consummate gentleman, charming, extremely intelligent, always learning and encouraging anyone in his circle to join him in his many pursuits. He loved to read, paint, speak Italian and Latin, play the saxophone and violin, garden, cook, golf, travel, and watch and review movies (as the "Movie Doc" in the South Bend Tribune). As a South Sider, he was a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan along with the Bears. In his retirement, Michael and his golf buddies played regularly at area courses and met for lunch every Tuesday at Fireman's. This group was very special to him.

Family and faith were the most important things to Michael and this was evident in his actions and dedication to always remembering family members on their birthdays and holidays. He was a devout and devoted Catholic regularly attending Mass and was an active member of St. Jude's parish. He had a wonderful heart, and his charity knew few bounds.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents and his son Vincent De Stefano.

He is survived by Patty, his loving and devoted wife and her children Nicholas Nunemaker (wife Kal, and children Kaylee, Korra and Lincoln), Abigale (husband Drew, and children Landon, Lucas, Tatum, Everly and Houston). He is also survived by his children Mike (wife Marie and children Bradlea, Jamie, Jude and Vincent), great grandchild Leia, Nikki Duff (husband Chris), daughters MacKenzie and Taylor), T.J. (wife Allison) and their mother Valerie along with Isabella (Snyder) and her sons Colton and Corbin, and Dominic. Michael is also survived by his loving younger brother Jim (wife Ann) and their children James (wife Pam, and daughter Margaret), Roxanne Hrar (husband Youssef and sons Luca and Nico), and Bridget Fox (husband Cory and daughters Penelope and Evelynn).

Visitation will be held from 3:30pm-6:30 pm on Tuesday December 9, 2025 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 19704 Johnson Rd. South Bend. Visitation will also be held from 10am-11am on Wednesday December 10, 2025 at the church with a mass of Christian burial beginning at 11am. Burial with military honors will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.