MICHAEL P. STEFANIK

STEFANIK, Michael Paul, 61, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2019 at Rhode Island Hospital. He leaves behind his loving wife of 34 years, Julie (Koszela) Stefanik.  On May 20, 1958, he was born in Springfield, Massachusetts to Stanley and Patricia (Mitchell) Stefanik.

Michael followed his older brother Bobby’s racing career until his opportunity to start driving competitively presented itself in 1976, which began one of the most prolific careers in motorsports history.

A young welder by trade, he quickly became a champion in the Sportsman division in 1979, which was a prelude to a career that saw him win a record number of championships. Stefanik ultimately advanced into the Modified division, the division for which his career will be most remembered.

In 1984, Michael and Julie were married. Julie played a major role in helping her husband reach many victory lanes as his spotter. He entered into the Koszela family businesses, along with an opportunity to drive the Koszela car. Julie still runs the Koszela businesses today.

Stefanik drove the Koszela car to his first NASCAR Modified Tour championship in 1989 and won his second in 1991, before his career began to branch into the NASCAR Busch Series and Busch North Series.

After several tours throughout the Busch Series, Stefanik returned to his roots in New England, turning in a string of performances that have never been matched. In 1997 and 1998, he achieved the Double-Double, winning both the NASCAR Modified Tour and NASCAR Busch North Series championships.

In 1999, he went on to earn Rookie-of-the-Year honors in the NASCAR Truck Series at the age of 41.

Modified Tour championships in 2001, 2002, and 2006 pushed Stefanik’s NASCAR championship total to 9, tying Richie Evans, who was also one of Michael’s heroes and mentors in the sport. Stefanik holds the top spot on the all-time win list with 74 race victories in NASCAR Modified Tour competition.

After moving on from racing, he spent more time working and enjoying his life, his home, and his family. Stefanik assembled his own Light Sport Aircraft and earned his Sport Pilot License in 2017, loving the adrenaline and views from the sky. He was inducted into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame in 2018 and hopefully will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame based on his list of accomplishments in the sport.

Along with his wife Julie, he is survived by their two daughters, Nicole (Ronald) Coleman, and Christine (David) Pugh; a sister, Theresa (Dean) Nardi; as well as several nieces and nephews.  

He was predeceased by his parents Stanley and Patricia Stefanik and brother Robert Stefanik.

Thursday, September 19, 2019: Visitation from 4:00-8:00pm at Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Rd (Rte.3) Coventry, RI.

Friday, September 20, 2019: Visitation at 9:00am with the funeral service at 10:00am at Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Rd (Rte.3) Coventry, RI.

Private burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children at lovetotherescue.org; if you would like the family to be notified of your gift, please include Michael Stefanik as the honoree name and stefanikfamily84@gmail.com as the recipient email. iannottifh.com

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