James C. Stefanelli, active church member, volunteer

James C. Stefanelli, 67, left this earth peacefully Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Milford, with his loving husband by his side. Born April 1, 1958, in Tiffin, Ohio, Jim was the beloved son of Joseph Stefanelli and the late Janet M. (Robenalt) Stefanelli. 

In 2004, Jim met Allan J. Doonan, and Dec. 7, 2013, he married his constant companion and the love of his life, Allan, at their townhouse in Rehoboth Beach.

A longtime resident of Bowling Green, Ohio, he built his first home there and worked 26 years for Henry Filters Inc. Jim spent most of his time with the company as a project manager. 

In 2017, Jim and Allan retired to Rehoboth Beach and became active volunteers and members of All Saints’ Episcopal Church. For several years, Jim volunteered working in the church garden and surrounding grounds. They also volunteered with the animal shelters at Humane Animal Partners, working with the animals and assisting with several building projects.

Jim is survived by his devoted husband, Allan; his faithful rescue dog, Oakley; his father, Joseph of Pemberville, Ohio; his siblings, Judy (Bob) Baldwin of Fostoria, Ohio; John (Barbara) Stefanelli of Howell, Mich.; Jeff (Dawn) Stefanelli of Gladwin, Mich.; Janis (Philip) Kokinakes of Rossford, Ohio; and Joseph M. (Debra) Stefanelli of Montpelier, Ohio; and his mother-in-law, Janet Doonan of Lewes (the late James Doonan).

A Celebration of Life will take place at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service for family and friends. Entombment will be private for family at All Saints’ Cemetery, Harbeson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE  19971, Humane Animal Partners, 18675 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach, DE  19971, or Delaware Hospice, delawarehospice.org. 

Visit Jim's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.