Ronald H. Stefani, Sr., MD passed peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
Beloved husband of the late Dorine Baggio Stefani and cherished father of Valerie Stefani (Hal) Cahill and Ronald (Nina) Stefani, Jr., MD. Proud grandfather of Nicholas (Michelle) Stefani, Ronald (Allyson) Stefani, Marisa Stefani, Daniel (Katelyn) Cahill, Matthew Cahill and James (Rachel) Cahill. Joyful Big Nonno of Luca, Leo, Ronnie and Daniella Stefani and Patrick “PJ”, Frances and Connor Cahill. Dearest brother of Mario (Lidia) Stefani and son of the late Desiderato and Mary Marchi Stefani. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Special friend of Nancy LaPaglia.
Ron was an esteemed Ear, Nose and Throat physician who practiced in the western suburbs of Chicago for over 40 years. Born in Chicago on October 12, 1934, he was raised in the Austin neighborhood and attended Fenwick High School. He graduated from Loyola University, receiving his medical degree in 1959. Upon completing his residency, Ron entered the U.S. Air Force, serving 2 years as a Captain at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
After his military service and a year practicing in Florida, Ron, Dorine and their family settled in Elmhurst. With an office in Lombard and on staff at Elmhurst Hospital, Ron provided exceptional care to generations of grateful patients. Ron held various medical leadership positions throughout his career, including President of the Chicago Laryngological and Otological Society.
Ron’s greatest passion was travel. He and Dorine visited over 70 countries, from riding the Trans-Siberian Railroad to exploring wildlife in Africa. They even managed to spend the night at a weather station in Antarctica! He also enjoyed golf and was an avid stamp collector.
Ron’s love and dedication to his family was abundant and evident in everything he said and did. He was a brilliant, kind and gentle man who was held in high regard by both friends and colleagues. We are so grateful to have had him in our lives and will miss him forever.
A visitation will be held from 3 – 8 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 South Spring Road, Elmhurst. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 426 West Avenue, Elmhurst.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elmhurst Hospital Foundation, 155 E. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126, or a charity of your choice.
For information, Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.
