Michael P. DeStefano

Michael P. DeStefano, Lancaster, PA passed away on May 27, 2026. He was born on June 7, 1941 in Pottsville, PA and raised in Minersville, PA. He was happily married to Patricia Santoro, Glenside, PA on June 14, 1969.

He was preceded in death by his mother Mary (Sirko) DeStefano, father Michael J. DeStefano, infant sister Mary, brother Richard DeStefano (Eileen DeStefano) of Minersville, PA and daughter Diane Thomas (Alfred Thomas) of Dunmore, PA.

Along with his wife Patricia, he was survived by his son Richard DeStefano (Melissa DeStefano) of Millersville, PA, his daughter Christa Kolcharno (John Kolcharno) of Clarks Summit, PA and his grandchildren Natalie and Michael DeStefano of Millersville, PA and Sara Thomas of Scranton, PA.

After graduating from Minersville Area High school in 1959, he attended West Chester State College and received his bachelor's degree in 1963. From 1963 to 1967 he taught World History and American government at Seaford Area High School in Seaford, Delaware. In 1965 he received a master's degree at the University of Delaware.

In 1967 he became a student teaching supervisor and teaching assistant. He received a PhD from Penn State University in 1972.

In 1972 he became a curriculum and instruction specialist for the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit serving the schools in Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wayne Counties. In 1979 he was appointed as Superintendent of Schools for the Forest City Regional School District, Forest City, PA. After serving the district for 20 years, he retired in 1999.

After retiring, he taught graduate courses for Wilkes University on a part time basis.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603 from 10AM to 11AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 11AM. Interment to follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church or to Alzheimer's Association , https://www.alz.org/pa.