Richard G. Stefanacci D.O.

Dr. Richard G. Stefanacci, age 92, of Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ peacefully passed Thursday, April 28, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Dr. Stefanacci was born in Passaic, NJ and has been a long-time resident of Ho-Ho-Kus. His enthusiasm for life will be remembered long after his passing.
After graduating from the University of Maryland, Richard left the East Coast for the heartland of the country to attend the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He went on to complete a residency in surgery, practicing as a true generalist where he provided all care services from delivering babies to removing gallbladders to home visits. He served not only his patients, but his profession and beyond. Most notably, he served as a board member of his medical school through its development of a second campus in Arizona and expansion into A.T. Still University, and proudly served as a member of the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners. Beyond this service, Dr. Stefanacci followed in his own father's path by building and serving as administrator for Forest Hill Healthcare Center, this occurred at age 70 after he retired from surgery. Through his professional life, Dr. Stefanacci cared for thousands while making each and every patient feel as though they were his sole focus.
Dr. Stefanacci was blessed with a large, devoted family. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Carol A. Stefanacci of Ho-Ho-Kus, devoted children: Dr. Richard Stefanacci and his wife, Elizabeth, Mark Stefanacci and his wife, Donna, Christopher Stefanacci and his wife, Renee, Dr. Paul Stefanacci and Gina Buffa and her husband, John. Also surviving are his 12 of 13 grandchildren: Nicholas, Morgan, Christopher, Jordan, Ryan, Jackson, Alyssa, Eli and Laleh Stefanacci and Alexa, Taylor and Blake Buffa, and reuniting with his grandson Richard in heaven. Also surviving are his two sisters; Cathy Peck and Jean Mazzola.
With an unwavering love for his family, friends, and faith, Dr. Stefanacci found the greatest joy in some of life's simplest pleasures. He could often be found golfing with his friends at White Beeches Country Club, spending time at his vacation home in Treasure Cay, Bahamas, and picking up bagels for every gathering. The family will strive to honor is memory by continuing to live life to the fullest and with a kind heart.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, 10:00 AM at St. Gabriel's RC Church, 88 East Saddle River Road, Saddle River, NJ 07458. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Stefanacci's memory may be made to Go4theGoal Foundation, www.go4thegoal.org, 401 Kings Highway South, Suite 3E, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481.