Robert J. DeStefano

Robert J. DeStefano passed away on December 23rd, 2020 to go be with the Lord, at the age of 81, after a short illness. Bob was born October 26th, 1939 in Yonkers, New York. He resided most of his life in Mogadore, Ohio with the love of his life Valerie (Nicely), who celebrated 60 years of marriage this past year.

Devoting his career to the Union, Bob retired as President of Teamsters Local 348 in 1996. After retirement, he spent a lot of time traveling with his wife in their motorhome. Some of Bob’s favorite things in life were spending time with family, golfing with friends, maintaining the greenest lawn in the neighborhood, gardening, and his watch collection. He was a big supporter and contributor to Mogadore Athletics. Bob proudly served in the United States Army while stationed in Germany. He was a member of multiple organizations including Tri-County Building Trades, Mogadore Moose, and a 32° Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Bob was inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame in 1990. Throughout his softball career from 1959-1974, he managed and played for several teams. In 1969, he became the League Director of the Teamsters Industrial Slow Pitch League. He served as a USSSA Area Director, a member of the Akron Amateur Softball Commission, and held the position of Vice President. His biggest contributions to softball were his outstanding efforts to promote and unify softball in the Akron area, while almost single-handedly supervising the construction and procuring donations for the material, and the completion, of the Softball Hall of Fame Room at Firestone Stadium. To show their appreciation, Bob received the very first Special Award from the Akron Amateur Softball Commission.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Peter DeStefano and Mary Guman, and his sister, Patricia Dixon.

Bob is survived by his wife, Valerie, his children, Kirk DeStefano (Michelle), April Evans (Doug), and Kimberly Brown (Allen); grandchildren, Derek, Tyler, Shane, Leah, Alexandria, Melody, Michelle, Autumn, and Tiffany; great-grandchild, Avery; brother, Richard DeStefano (Betty) and his loving sister, Rita Stancil.

Anyone who knew Bob knew that there was NO LIMIT on helping or providing for others! He was genuine and never expected anything in return.

He will surely be missed by many.

Visitation will be 10:30 until 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will be 12:30 p.m. following visitation with Pastor Ric Schumacher officiating.

Interment will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

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