Stephen F. Estvanic

Known as Buzzy to many, Stephen was born in Jefferson, to Stephen and Margaret Student Estvanic on December 2, 1944. Throughout his life, Stephen fondly recalled his childhood growing up on Acklin Row surrounded by family.

Stephen and his wife Sally Estvanic married in 1978, living happily together in Lakewood, Rocky River, Spencer, Valley City, and Strongsville, Ohio as well as maintaining a winter residence in Florida for many years.

Stephen worked at LTV Steel for 38 years until his retirement in 1999. He was actively involved in United Steelworkers Local 188, eventually serving as President, a position he held until LTV closed in 1999. Stephen remained a passionate supporter of organized labor after his retirement, as well.

Stephen was a committed friend of Bill W. for 49 years, and helped establish and support numerous recovery organizations in Northeast Ohio.

Stephen was an avid softball player during the heyday of Cleveland softball in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. He played on the Shawnee Chiefs in the campground softball league during the family’s many years of camping at Shawnee Lake Park, and was proud to be able to play alongside his sons in many of those games. In his final years, Stephen participated in the Huff-n-Puffers softball league in Parma, Ohio, and the fellowship and camaraderie he experienced from his ‘seasoned’ teammates and competitors in that league was a blessing he cherished.

Stephen enjoyed hunting, fishing, and rooting for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. He also enjoyed playing golf with his coworkers, buddies, and sons.

Stephen and Sally loved traveling together both domestically and abroad, and with Stephen being of Croatian heritage, they were delighted to visit Croatia several times and reconnect with extended family, visiting the town, churches, and especially the family farm that the family owned for centuries and still operates today.

He loved doo wop, early rock-and-roll, soul, blues, and classic rock music, as well as action movies and his favorite television show, The Sopranos. But more than anything, Stephen enjoyed a good meal and some laughs with his friends and family. He was never happier than he was when sharing a holiday meal or a Sunday dinner with those he held dear.

A headstrong man of steadfast convictions, Stephen was a passionate person of unflinching integrity. Underneath a gruff exterior, he was a tough guy who was, in reality, a teddy bear. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Sally Hash Estvanic; his daughter, Diona Roland; his three sons Stephen Estvanic, Michael (Carol) Estvanic, and Matthew (Teneqwa) Estvanic; his six grandchildren Maxwell, Isaac, Jacob, Madison, Kyndal, and Kameron; a daughter-in-spirit, Melaie (Francis) Hempenstall; his two sisters Mary Estvanic, and Suzanne (Clyde) Tracanna; and many, many dear friends and including beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his father Stephen Estvanic, mother Margaret Student Estvanic, a brother John “Jack” Estvanic, and a sister Ruth Anne (Greg) Parsnick.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are requested to Road to Hope, 4395 Rocky River Dr., Cleveland, Ohio 44135.

Graveside committal services will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 12:30 pm in Greene County Memorial Park, 1003 Jefferson Rd., Waynesburg, PA 15370, with Fr. J. Francis Frazer, officiating. Services are entrusted to the Behm Funeral Home, 1477 Jefferson Rd., Jefferson, PA 15344, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.