It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. John Stefanelli of Christina Lake, BC. at age 88 years. After a long illness, Stef died peacefully in his sleep on June 6, 2011, surrounded by family. Stef was predeceased by his parents, Adolfo and Teresa, and his sister Valerie.
John was born on July 26th, 1922 in Cinquecerri, Italy, came to Canada at age 7 and grew up in Trail. Stef attended UBC and then medical school at the University of Alberta where he met and married Elaine Jean MacLean from Pincher Creek, Alberta. They moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and later Salt Lake City, Utah, where John completed graduate work in general surgery. Afterwards they returned to Trail where John practiced surgery and family medicine for many years. John and Elaine raised their five sons in the family home on Second Avenue. Stef was always ready to make house calls any time of the day or night, and treated his patients like family.
After retiring from the Trail hospital, Stef and Elaine moved to Christina Lake where he continued to practice for several years in the Christina/Grand Forks area. The death of his wife Elaine was a terrible blow. Fortunately, he met and married another wonderful woman, Julia Lavia of Grand Forks. They had ten great years together, but sadly Julia also passed away, in July 2009.
John had many friends with whom he loved to golf. He always said golf was about the fellowship first, then the fresh air, and last of all the score. He was an active member of Sacred Heart parish in Grand Forks. Stef had a great baritone voice, and enjoyed singing with the church choir at Christina Lake and Grand Forks. He was a member in good standing of the Societa M.S. Cristoforo Colombo and was recently bestowed the honour of Life Member.
John is survived by his five sons, Dave (Susan), Andy, Tom, Mike, and Mark (Corinna); six grandchildren (Marina, Teresa, Connor, Lucas, John, and Jake); and his cousin, Amato Primavori.
There will be a prayer service at Sacred Heart Church in Grand Forks, BC on Thursday, June 9, at 7 p.m. The funeral mass will be held in Sacred Heart Church, Grand Forks, BC on Friday, June 10, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the church hall.
The family would like to thank Dr. Phil Sigalet and all the staff at Kamloops Seniors Village for the wonderful care and attention they provided for Stef. They would also like to thank the many people who have contacted them with wishes of condolences.
Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com