Michael John Stephens

Mass of Christian Burial for Michael John Stephens, 62, of Chardon, will be 10:00 AM Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012 at The Church of St. Mary, 401 North Street, Chardon, OH. Mr. Stephens died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 at the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center. Born Nov. 26, 1949, in East Cleveland, he grew up in Euclid and then moved to Chardon 20 years ago. He was a 1967 graduate of St. Joseph High School and a U.S. Army Veteran.

Michael worked as a baker at the Chardon Giant Eagle. He enjoyed music and was an artist with charcoal and pencil. He brought laughter into lives with his impish smile and often demonstrated his love for his family, especially his wife.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Price); and siblings Janet (Richard) Beuck of Chardon, Rev. Jeffrey (Susan) of Richfield, Timothy of Fairport Harbor, Mary (John) Somerville of Dunedin, New Zealand, William of Willowick, Robert (Erica) of Elyria, Gregory of Painesville, Margaret (James) Heckman of Willowick, Kathleen (Terry) Wilson of Flushing, Mich., and Susan (Jim) Prentice of Rome; 14 nieces and nephews, 12 great-nieces and nephews and one great-great-nephew; his stepsons George (Karen) Price, Alan (Donna) Price, Brian (Kate) Price, four grandchildren. a great-grandson, all of Scotland.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents John and Margaret (Browne) Stephens; and brother, John R. Stephens III.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Michael from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2012, at the Ritondaro Funeral Home, 126 South Street, Chardon. Burial will take place 1p.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, OH.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Fisher House Building Fund, c/o Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, 10701 E. Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106

Arrangements are being handled by Ritondaro Funeral Service & DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home of Willoughby Hills. Online obituary, guestbook, & order flowers at www.DeJohnCares.com.