Rev. Joseph M., Stefanelli was born on November 24, 1921 in Cincinnati, OH.

He made his first profession of vows as a Marianist August 25, 1940, perpetual vows on August 15, 1944, ordained July 22, 1951 in Fribourg, Switzerland. Entered into eternal life on August 16, 2018. Son of the late Michael and Cesarina (Cambi). Survived by his dear sister Ann Herking in Cincinnati and loving nieces Susan Herking of Cincinnati and Diana Kruse of Dayton OH.

After his initial years of ministry as a high school teacher of history and English Father Joe moved into a long tenure of formation ministry and leadership/administration including the General Administration in Rome and as Provincial of the Province of the Pacific from 1973 to 1981.

As a scholar in Marianist studies Father Joe was a founding member of the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS) in Dayton. He was the author of several books on the founders of the Marianist Family and a noted retreat preacher on Marianist themes. Services were held at the Chapel of the Marianist Center, followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.