Stephen Edward Hirschfelder, 56, “Paw Paw,” dad, son, and friend to all passed away on May 7, 2018 at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was diagnosed with gastric cancer only 76 days prior to his passing on February 19, 2018.
Stephen was a Texan through and through. He was born in San Antonio to father, William Thomas Hirschfelder and mother, Ann Chamberlain Wesolick. He grew up in Huntsville with his parents, three brothers Robert Profili, William Hirschfelder, Kirk Hirschfelder, and sister Sherry Peixoto. Huntsville is also where Stephen met and later married the mother of his children, Charlotte Pickett Hirschfelder. After moving to Dallas, they had their first son, Stephen Michael Hirschfelder, on April 13, 1990. Their second son, David Matthew Hirschfelder, was born in Round Rock on December 19, 1992. They ultimately raised their family in Carrollton, Texas where Stephen coached his boys sports teams, participated in their functions for Boy Scouts, and bonded with his sons through dirt bikes and various outdoor activities. He later moved to Katy, Texas where he began working for Accenture and made many life-long friends. His son, David, later joined Stephen in Katy. Stephen found great joy in watching David play football for the Katy Tigers and showed his pride by displaying a photo of David that was featured in the local newspaper. It is still on his refrigerator to this day. When an advancement in his career was presented to him, Stephen moved to Round Rock, Texas where he became close with his colleagues, some of which considered him a mentor. Ultimately, Stephen traveled back to Carrollton to be with his sons during this trying time.
An avid fisherman, Dallas Cowboys fan, and lover of Sci-Fi television shows, Stephen’s most abiding passions were his family and friends. While raising his sons, he always expressed the importance of loyalty to family above all else. He had an amazing zest for life, especially when it was spent outdoors. Stephen found great happiness in his role as a “Paw Paw” to his granddaughters Madison (6), Amelia (21 months), and Nichole (due May 17th). Even though he lived far away from them, he always found a way to let them know how much he loved them. Usually, this was by having long FaceTime conversations and through their special “goodbye routine.” Although Stephen had many friends, his favorite companion was his dog, Scrappy who he rescued during a thunderstorm.
Stephen is survived by his mother, Ann Chamberlain Wesolick; sons, Michael and wife Lindsey, David and wife Brittany; his grandchildren Madison, Amelia, and Nichole; his brothers, Robert and wife Michelle Profili, William and wife Lisa Hirschfelder, Kirk and wife Sharon Hirschfelder; as well as his sister, Sherry Peixoto and husband Jason; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father William Thomas Hirschfelder and loyal dog Scrappy.
A Memorial Service is being held for Stephen on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Rhoton Funeral Home 1511 S Interstate 35E, Carrollton, TX 75006 from 2-4 PM.
See you later, Alligator. After while, Crocodile. Kisses. Princess!
