Stephen E Lojacono Jr.

1933 – 2025

Stephen E. LoJacono Jr., age 92, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, at his home in Sarasota, Florida. A native of Buffalo, New York, Stephen spent his early years in Western New York before raising his family in Williamsville, NY and Hermitage, PA. He later retired to Tarpon Springs and eventually settled in Sarasota.

Stephen was primarily an entrepreneur throughout his career. He was an owner/operator of Tops Markets in the Buffalo area and later became a McDonald’s franchise owner in Greenville, Pennsylvania. His career was marked by a strong work ethic, generosity, and a deep commitment to the people he served. He retired in 2008 after decades of service in the food and hospitality industries.

Stephen proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean occupation and was a graduate of Canisius College, Class of 1955. His life was defined by devotion to family, service to others, and a zest for living.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Kathleen LoJacono (née Patti); daughters Lisa Offerman (Joseph), Mimi Carlin, and Julie Mackie; son Stephen E. LoJacono III (Lisa); grandchildren Stephen Bumstead, Christian Bumstead, Nathan Bumstead (Mariella), Katy Carlin, John Carlin (Megan), Lucy LoJacono, Stephen E. LoJacono IV, Avery LoJacono and Jake Mackie; and great-granddaughter Faith Carlin. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Katherine Lojacono (Anthony), along with many cherished nieces and nephews loved by "Uncle Steve".

Stephen was preceded in death by his siblings Jerome LoJacono, Anthony LoJacono, and Maria LoJacono Perna.

Known affectionately as “Big Steve,” he was a man of many passions. He enjoyed hunting, skiing, tennis, golf, entertaining and traveling with family and friends. He found joy in making wine and sausage, tending to his fig trees, and hosting gatherings that brought people together. His generosity extended beyond his personal life—he was actively involved in charitable work, especially with the Ronald McDonald House and other community initiatives during his time with Tops and McDonald’s.

Stephen will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, a recent great grandfather and loyal friend. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished.

A Committal and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 2860 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, FL 33759. All who knew and loved Stephen are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please click the link and donate to the amazing team at Tidewell Hospice:

https://tidewellfoundation.org/donate/