William Stephany

Surrounded by his family, William B. "Bill" Stephany, age 70, of Erie, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025 at St. Vincent Hospital, following a brief illness. Bill was born in Erie on January 25, 1955, to John and Madeline Stephany.
A proud 1972 graduate of Cathedral Preparatory School, Bill worked several years at the Barber National Institute, and for over 20 years at Hammermill Paper Company, until its closure. He enjoyed painting, cooking and was an avid reader of history and far-away places, many of which he would visit over the years. Bill toured Europe, as well as forts, battlefields, and historical sites in the U.S. and Canada, and participated in historical reenactments of the War of 1812 with the U.S. Brig Niagara. He was a lifelong loyal follower of the Cleveland Guardians and the Cleveland Browns.
Bill will be remembered for his sense of humor, and as a kind-hearted and accepting man who taught others to look for the good in everyone. He instilled in his children the value of hard work and always doing one's best.
Bill was a faithful and adoring husband of Marion Stephany; devoted and supportive father of Andrew (Laura) Stephany, Jennifer Stephany (Michael Eller), and Kathleen (Aaron) Cross; warm, generous, and always encouraging grandfather of Audrey Stephany, Brady Cross, and Aubrie Cross, and beloved grandfather figure to many more. He was also the brother of Mary Stephany Theiss Lyons, Katherine (Ronald) Bailey, Michael (Cheryl) Stephany, and David (Susan) Stephany; and a mentor to many. Bill is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. Besides his parents, Madeline and John, Bill was preceded in death by his dear stepson, Tony Culver.
The family is deeply grateful to the team at St. Vincent Hospital and Cancer Institute, for their incredible compassion, kindness, and support.
Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 2607 Buffalo Rd., on
Thursday, September 4th, from 3 to 7 pm and are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. James R.C. Church on Friday, September 5th, at noon. A private interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances to Emmaus Ministries, 345 East 9th Street, Erie, PA 16503. Condolences may be sent to www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.