David John Stephani

David John Stephani passed away on October 11, 2021 in Pantego, Texas

Funeral Service: Friday, October 15 at 10:30 a.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Pkwy. Arlington, 76013

David John Stephani was born on July 30, 1947, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the son of Hildegarde Rose Voigtman and John Peter Stephani. When David was seven months old, his father died unexpectedly. Although too young to experience grief then, it was a loss he felt all his life. When David was five, he, with his mother, grandmother, Rose Schroeder, and his sister, Ann, moved to Barrington, New Jersey, where he spent the rest of his childhood and young adult years. Just after his ninth birthday, David was diagnosed with a neuroblastoma of the kidney, a rare form of childhood cancer. Despite a dire prognosis, he survived surgery and radiation, and, after a long recovery, thrived.

David was a graduate of Haddon Heights High School, and received an Associate’s Degree in Business from Camden County Community College. He spent over twenty-eight years with Mobil Oil Corporation, later Exxon Mobil, in Philadelphia and then Dallas when the company relocated in 1977. David moved to Pantego, Texas, at that time, and resided there until his death on October 11, 2021.

David possessed a lifelong spirit of adventure. As soon as he was able to pedal his bicycle without training wheels, he set off to see the world. And see the world, he did, traveling much of Europe, Scandinavia, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, all over the U. S. and Canada, and even a day trip to Africa. His very favorite destination, to which he returned many times, were the English Cotswolds where he spent many happy days at a charming B&B with his hosts and friends, Gene and Barry Jeffrey.

David appreciated the beauty of nature, was an avid gardener, and spent many hours planting and creating a beautiful yard. He was an excellent cook, was skilled at do-it-yourself projects, enjoyed telling stories, had a quirky sense of humor and a great memory, and loved music and Stephani reunions at his cousins’ cottage in Sheboygan. He was very patriotic, and loved to display Old Glory.

On June 23 of 2014, David received the gift of life, a donor kidney, which allowed him to return to living a full life for a number of years. Throughout his life, David faced his many health problems with courage and a determination to perservere. He and his family have been blessed with extraordinary care and compassion from the physicians and staff at Medical City Fort Worth Transplant Institute, The Heart Center of North Texas, Tarrant Nephrology, Medical City Fort Worth Transplant Unit and MICU. We especially want to acknowledge the deep and abiding respect and affection David and his family had and will always have for Dr. Sridhar Allam, Dr. Farhan Ali, and Dr. George Rofaiel.

Along with his parents and his grandmother, Rose, David was predeceased by many beloved family members and friends, including George Roff, a wonderful friend and travel companion.

David is survived by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Charles Cook, his much loved Stephani cousins, especially the Netzels, and many friends, including his dear friend, Toni Sanfelippo, who has been like a sister to him. David enjoyed his neighborhood and neighbors in Barrington and Pantego. We are very thankful for the kindness and friendship of the Coopers and Robertsons of Pantego, and notably the enduring friendship and kindness of Betty and Don Pluta and family of Barrington, who have loved David and his family as if we were their own. Last but not least, he loved and was loved by his faithful, sweet dog, Joey.

As an organ donor himself, David has given the gift of life to others. For those who wish to do so, a memorial to Life Gift, 1000 12th Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76104, or Cook Children’s Health Foundation, 801 7th Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76104, honoring David’s life would be very fitting.