It is with great sympathy that the family of Douglas J. Stefancik, 54, announces his sudden passing on January 28, 2025, at the Holyoke Medical‬ Center from an aggressive form of cancer that originated in the gallbladder. He was the son of Florence (Steplowski) Stefancik and the late Allan‬ E. Stefancik and was born, raised, and lived in the City of Holyoke his entire life. A graduate of Holyoke Catholic High School in 1990, Douglas continued his education, where he graduated from Holyoke‬ Community College in 1993 and Westfield State College in 2000. He then received a Master of Public Administration from American International College in 2006. Douglas started his professional career working for the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and then with the Town of Adams as the Community Development Planner. His work in municipal government led him to become a Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Since 2007, Douglas served as the Town Planner for the Town of Ludlow, where he made many genuine relationships and was supportive of his “work family.” He was proud of the work he did and will forever be a part of Ludlow’s growth into the future. Outside of his profession, Douglas ‭loved being outdoors, whether it was tending to his vegetable garden and flower beds, swimming in the ocean, or taking his daily walk. At home, Douglas mastered the craft of becoming an exceptional cook and baker. He cherished serving his family his famous cheesecake, delectable appetizers, and unrequitable French toast during the holidays or sharing goodies at work parties. Around each holiday he treasured his light displays and decorated both‬ the inside and outside his house. He enjoyed being with his family, including Sunday Suppers, special occasions, and dining out. Douglas was generous, always spoiling his family and his friends, and donated charitably to many local organizations. He is survived by his mother‬ Florence J. (Steplowski) Stefancik of Holyoke, his sister Karin S. Kane and her husband Michael of Holyoke, his brother Glen J. Stefancik‬ of Holyoke, his beloved nephew and niece, Michael F. Kane ll and Katherine A.‬ Kane, both of Holyoke, aunts: Stacia Miller of Port Charlotte, FL, Wanda‬ Bruneau and her husband Robert of Southbridge, MA, Maryann Nolet of‬ Orlando, Florida, and many wonderful cousins. Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church in Holyoke, MA on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10:00 am followed by the burial at Mater‬ Dolorosa Cemetery, South Hadley. The Stefancik Family would like to express its appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Holyoke‬ Medical Center for their tremendous care. In lieu of flowers, memorial‬‭ contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament School, 21 Westfield Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040 and/or Westfield Homeless Cat Project, 1124 East Mountain Road, Westfield, MA 01085, or the charity of your choice.‬‬‬ Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home in Holyoke is handling the arrangements.‬‬