Ronald J. Stephanchick, 88, U.S. Army Veteran

He was born in Lorain on August 30, 1935 and remained a life-long resident of the city. Ron was a graduate of Lorain High School where he was a multiple varsity letter recipient. He played infield for the Steelmen baseball team and was a city record-holding hurdler on the track team.

Following a brief period of employment at U.S. Steel Corporation, Ron was inducted into the United States Army in June of 1959 and fulfilled duty assignments as a Specialist 4 attached to the 110th Light Weapons Infantry. Upon his honorable discharge, he was presented with the United States Army Good Conduct Medal. Ron was a long-time member of Elmer Johnson Post # 118 of the American Legion in Amherst.

Upon his return from military service, he joined the Lorain Fire Department and embarked on a career that spanned thirty-three years as a firefighter and rescue worker with the municipality. He completed duty tours in the majority of stations throughout the city and always welcomed the opportunity to serve as the shift’s cook whenever he was working. Following retirement, he remained dedicated to fire service and enjoyed documenting the history of the fire department through a collection of articles and photographs which he often shared with fellow firefighters and other interested individuals.

Formerly serving as a little league coach for the Lorain Fire Department team, Ron enjoyed golf and league bowling in his free time. He was also a loyal fan of all three Cleveland professional sports franchises as well as The Ohio State Buckeyes.

In addition, Ron was gifted in the art of carpentry and actually built the home in which he lived.

He leaves sons Richard Stephanchick (Gail), Gary Stephanchick (Stacy), and Scott Stephanchick. Additional survivors include grandchildren Jon Stephanchick (Tricia), Heather Stephanchick, Daniel Stephanchick (Heather), Jessica Osidach (Chris), David Stephanchick (Tiffany), Hunter Stephanchick, and Hayden Stephanchick, great grandchildren Ellianah Stephanchick, Aubree Partin, Amelia and Harrison Osidach and sister Laurie Jackson.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife Rosemary (nee Kargard) in 2021, father Joseph A. Stephanchick in 1988, and mother Margaret Stephanchick (nee Schuster) in 2011

Visitation will be Wednesday from 12:00 noon until the time of funeral services at 1:00 p.m. in Zion Lutheran Church – 5100 Ashland Avenue, Lorain,. Reverend William Mugnolo, Pastor of the church will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township where military honors will be conducted by members of the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, Ron’s family encourages contributions in his memory to either the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or any other charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel.