Consolata Missionary Father Paul F. Stefanowich passed away on July 24, 2015 at St. Peter's University Medical Center in New Brunswick at the age of 88. Fr. Paul was born in Wibaux, Montana to the late Clementine and Jerry Stefanowich. He was raised in Montana before moving to California when he was 17. He spent his last year of high school at St. Anthony High School in Long Beach, CA and upon his graduation entered the United States Air Force. After serving our country faithfully for four years he was discharged as a Staff Sergeant.

He then attended Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, CT, the Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and the Consolata House of Studies.
He held a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy. Father Stefanowich took his final vows for the Consolata Society for Foreign Missions on January 8, 1970 in Somerset, NJ.

He was a member of the Catholic War Veterans of the Unites States of America. Sticking to his family roots, Fr. Paul went to work as a sheep ranch hand in Wyoming. He worked for many years on his brother Joseph's ranch before deciding to further his education.

During his years as a dedicated Consolata Missionary Priest, Fr. Paul resided in Milford Connecticut from 1974-1975 and 1977-1982; in Buffalo, NY in 1976 and from 1995-2001; in Pittsburgh, PA in 1982-1983 and in Somerset NJ from 1984-1994 and 2002-2007. He served the Consolata Missionary community as a Superior and as a Provincial Administrator. Father Paul was privileged to also spend two months with the Consolata Mission in Kenya. He served as the Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Monsignor O'Grady Assembly of Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus #664.

Father Paul remained in Somerset at the Consolata Missionary House in his retirement and continued to spread the joy of the Risen Christ at local parishes. He was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and an uncanny ability to comfort people.

Father Stefanowich was predeceased by his parents, Clementine and Jerry. He was also pre deceased by his brothers, Peter and Joseph and sisters, Mary, Rose, Victoria, and Gertrude. He is survived by a sister, Florence Johnson of Seal Beach, CA along with three generations of nieces and nephews.

Interment was at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Williamsville, NY.