John Joseph Stefanov, 84, of Harkness, NY, passed away peacefully on September 3rd in Lincoln, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Northbridge, MA, to John A. Stefanov and Mary A. Chupka, John grew up in the small town of East Douglas, MA. A spirited and lively child, he was often seen coming home swinging his broken glasses, an early sign of the tenacity that defined him.

John enlisted in the United States Air Force after High School and married his high school sweetheart, Linda J. Bosma, they raised three children while John served for 27 years. His service took them from New England and to two tours in England, finishing his military career at Plattsburgh AFB in New York, John was especially proud of his service in Vietnam, where he spent a year at Tan Son Nhat Air Base in 1965. Known as the "proverbial Drill Sergeant," he often commanded "Wipe that smile off your face!" and eventually retired with honor as a Senior Master Sergeant.

A deeply devoted Catholic, he served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and later as a member of the Harkness United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Knights of Columbus. He was 50 years a passionate member of Alcoholics Anonymous, sponsoring many with their transition to sobriety, a testament to his strength, humility, and dedication to others.

Retiring from the Air Force, John settled in Harkness, NY. After the untimely death of his beloved wife, Linda, he sought a new path in life and became a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked for 15 years at the Clinton County Nursing Home, where he found joy and fulfillment caring for others.

John was blessed to find love again with Edith M. Hitt. They married in 2003 and together, they shared a love of travel, gardening, and doting on their many well-loved cats. He was rarely seen without a smile—and often on his trusty New Holland tractor tending the yard he loved.

John was an enthusiastic gardener, outdoorsman and chef, he enjoyed countless camping and canoe trips with his sons with the Boy Scouts and took great pride in cultivating vibrant gardens at every home he lived in. He never lost his Cape Cod-born love for seafood—particularly lobster and steamers and also kept his Slovak roots close to heart by often making a big pot of kapusta.

In his later years, John faced a formidable cancer diagnosis, true to his nature, he fought with resilience and courage, eventually overcoming the illness with the support of his family and Massachusetts General Hospital. He lived his remaining years with grace, gratitude, and a deep love for his family.

John is survived by his wife, Edith; his three children: Douglas Stefanov and his wife Marjorie Cole of South Boston, MA; Scott A. Stefanov and his wife Frances Stefanov of Little Rock, AR; and Laurie A. Stefanov and her husband John Inman of Concord, MA. He is also survived by 11 cherished grandchildren: Henry, Sebastian, Gabriel, Mariah, Anna, Brenna, Miles, Linda, Max, Isidora and Scott Jr.; and three adored great-grandchildren: Julie, Ivy, and Julian. John is predeceased by his first wife, Linda Stefanov.

John lived life with a smile on his face, faith in his heart, and unwavering love for his family. He fought the good fight—and is now at peace.

Friends and family will gather for visiting hours on Friday, September 12th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord, MA. John's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday September 13th at 10 AM in St. Bernard's Church at Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square, Concord Center. Burial will follow with United States Air Force military honors at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord. Please click here to view the video recording of John's funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of John's lifelong love for animals, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Elmore SPCA , 556 Telegraph Road, Peru, NY.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.