Lawrence Michael Stefani

Larry lived a life rooted in devotion: to his family, his faith, his country, and his community. The grandson of Italian immigrants from Lucca, Italy, he grew up in Merced, California in a close-knit Italian Catholic home that shaped his deep sense of loyalty, humor, and service. As a boy, he worked in his family’s store, Stefani Clothiers, learning early that showing up, working hard, and taking pride in what you do matters. His eighth-grade yearbook quote was “The highest of distinctions is service to others” which was not just a sentiment; it was how he lived.

He attended Bellarmine College Preparatory, graduating in 1961, before going on to his beloved University of Notre Dame, graduating with a degree in Political Science in 1965. At Notre Dame he formed lifelong friendships and a deep, enduring pride. That pride was unmistakable as he filled his home with Notre Dame songs, stories, and traditions. After Notre Dame, Larry obtained his Master’s Degree in International Relations from UC Berkeley. He later served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army, including a year in Vietnam, an experience that shaped both his strength and his tenderness. He was awarded an Army Commendation Medal in April of 1968 for “outstanding professional competence and devotion to duty.” He carried a quiet sense of duty and resilience for the rest of his life.

Larry built a long and respected career in financial services, first with Bank of America and later with PaineWebber/UBS, where he mentored many financial advisors and led with integrity. In Merced, he managed one of the most successful and lucrative branch offices in PaineWebber Group’s worldwide investment network for 23 years. He retired from UBS in 2017 after 37 years. He was unwavering in his commitment to his clients and team.

He was endlessly curious and an avid reader. He was a student of history, especially the Civil War, and the kind of person who could win a round of trivia without trying. He loved traveling to Italy to stay connected to family and heritage, and he found joy in music and performance throughout his life, from his time in a boys’ choir, to the Glee Club at Bellarmine, many roles at the Merced Center for the Performing Arts, and singing as a tenor in the choir at St. Patrick’s Parish until he was no longer able.

Above all, Larry was a man of impact and love. He had a gift for making people feel seen and for bringing lightness into a room. He loved to make others laugh, often with a well-timed phrase or a bit of theatrical flair. His steady encouragement lives on in the words he repeated often: “Plan, Focus, Execute” and “Perseverance is the Price of Greatness.” He was a family man – a devoted husband and father whose love knew no bounds. His impact was profound and he will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his children, Catherine Stefani (Chris Bankovitch), Lawrence “Michael” Stefani Jr., Christine Stefani (Betsy Stefani), Carrie Stefani (Terrence McGovern), Sam Stefani, and Allie Krumm (Dennis Krumm); 15 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild and his former wife, Susan Poole, with whom he had his first four children; and his sister Kathleen Stefani. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Terri Stefani, and his parents, Joseph and Mary Stefani, and his brother, Robert.

A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held on May 18 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 459 21st Street, Merced, CA. The burial will follow on May 19 at 10:00 am at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA.

Memorial Donations may be made in his honor to:

Lewy Body Dementia Association

912 Killian Hill Road, S.W.

Lilburn, GA 30047

Our Lady of Mercy School Foundation

PO Box 3621

Merced, CA 95344

Swords to Plowshares

Vets Helping Vets Since 1974

Attn: Resource Development

401 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 313

San Francisco, CA 94102