In Memory of Rev. Stanley “Stan” Robert Stefancic (June 20, 1937 – June 28, 2024

We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Stanley “Stan” Robert Stefancic, who died on June 28, 2024, at the age of 86. 

Stan was born on July 20, 1937. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English and American Literature from Maryville College, TN (1961) following which he earned his Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School (1964). Stan met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while studying for a Ph.D. Inspired by Dr. King, he left his graduate study to become a Unitarian Universalist Minister.

Rev. Stefancic was ordained to the UU ministry on October 29, 1967. In 1970, he accepted a call from the UU Church of Birmingham, MI where he would serve until 1976.  Thereafter, he was a settled minister at the East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue, WA (1976-1980) and the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco, CA (1980-1985). From 1994 to 1996, Rev. Stefancic served as an interim minister at the UU Church of Boulder, CO. In 1996, he was called to the UU Church of Tucson, AZ, and served until 2000. In Boulder and Tucson, Rev. Stefancic was instrumental in serving as a healing minister using his organizational skills to develop trust within the congregation. He did crisis interventions at churches, was able to heal the wounds, and repaired and stimulated growth. His ministry embodied peace, compassionate action, justice, and the inherent dignity of every individual. In 2001, the UU Church of Boulder, CO honored him as their minister emeritus.

Rev. Stefancic served on the board of the UUA and the UU Service Committee. He dedicated his life to helping create a more socially just and caring world and served on many nonprofit boards including Common Cause, ACLU, and Planned Parenthood. His efforts as a citizen lobbyist were instrumental in earning recognition as Citizen Activist of the Year in Arizona in 1998 for his contribution to Arizona being one of four states to pass public funding of all elected officials.

Stan was on faculty at the Hoffman Institute, CA, and taught and trained teachers for six years in the USA, Europe, and Australia. He also served the Institute as a Director of Special Projects and Process. 

He had a deep Zen meditation practice, which he expressed in daily life as “Don’t Worry, Be Present: When we are present, we live life with direct experience and are fully engaged moment to moment, and worries are fantasies”.

His wife Marianne shared, “Stan wrote his memories in two sections: in 2001: “A Spirited Human Shape” and in 2019: “The Adventure of Awakening: The Life of a Mind.” These writings are not published for a book or such, there are about 1000 pages, and they will be added to Harvard Divinity School Library Archival Material. I believe that there is material for a beautiful book, by someone who is inspired to do so.”

Stan is survived by his wife: Marianne; his son: Benjamin (Sandy); grandchildren: Sophie and Ryan; brother: Richard (Dolly); niece: Erica, and nephew: Richie; as well as Marianne’s son Jai (Taraneh). He also leaves behind his former wife, Jean and her husband, Richard.

A private memorial service was held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing or the American Civil Liberties Union.

Notes of condolences may be sent to Marianne Stefancic, 100 Thorndale Dr. Apt. 136, San Rafael, CA 94903.