Richard J. DiStefano

Dr. Richard J. DiStefano passed away August 19, 2024, at Crouse Hospital following a tragic accident during a triathlon in Cazenovia, NY. He was the youngest of three sons born to Guido and Mary DiStefano of Tupper Lake, NY. He was salutatorian of his Tupper High, class of 1976, and earned All Northern Honors in football and baseball, enjoying both team sports as well as ice hockey. He graduated from Yale University with a BS in Chemical Engineering in 1980 and afterwards worked with International Paper. He then graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University in 1989 and finished his orthopedic surgical training in 1995.
He worked as a spine surgeon for Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, having privileges at many local hospitals, and dutifully serving the people of Central New York. First and foremost, he was an amazingly loving and devoted husband, father, uncle, and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Sheryl; daughter, Kathryn, both of Jamesville, NY; sons, David (Libby) of Denver, CO, Daniel of Boston, MA; brother, James (Anne) of Dewitt, NY; nephews, James Jr.(Joanna) and nieces, Antonia and Olivia of Oakland, CA, Joseph (Courtney) and niece, AnnaLeigh and nephew, Luca of Marietta, GA; nephew, Matthew of Mantauk Falls, NY; niece, Lauren of Austin, TX; and multiple other DiStefano relatives.
The family extends their thanks to the medical staff at the triathlon and Crouse Hospital who did their best to help him. Donations can be made to CNY Triathlon Club, PO Box 434, Dewitt NY, 13214 in Dr. DiStefano's honor.
Calling hours will be on Thursday, August 22nd, from 4PM - 8PM at Eaton-Tubbs Fayetteville Chapel, 7191 E Genesee St, Fayetteville. A funeral mass will be at 10AM on Friday, August 23rd at Holy Cross Church, 4112 E Genesee St, DeWitt, followed by a burial ceremony at St. Mary's Cemetery in DeWitt.