Mary Alice Reporting –
Following a hard-fought battle with an illness, the Ride Operations Manager for Tuscora Park passed away on Saturday, June 29th.
Joseph “Joe” Stephon was 49-year-old and will be remember through his dedication in helping youth through his employment as an intervention specialist at STAR Alternative School, as a youth minister, Boy Scout leader, and mentor for Big Brother Big Sisters.
The 1993 New Philadelphia graduate earned a bachelor’s in communication from Kent State Tuscarawas and a master’s in special education from Youngstown State University.
RTY learned about his passion for helping the community and youth through his wife, Julie, who is involved with the New Philadelphia Rotary, explains RTY Board President Greg Rees.
“Joe was a perfect fit for what we do. His background for teaching, coaching fit right in with management of our high school age staff. He’s been a godsend for the park. That’s pretty much Joe and it’ll be hard to replace him. Deepest condolences to the family. The kids are missing him a whole lot.”
Stephon’s love for football called for him to wear the striped officials’ uniform for 27 seasons. In 2023, he was inducted into the Tuscarawas County Football Officials Association Hall of Fame. Stephon was also a member of the Tuscarawas County Umpires Association and served as a softball umpire for 24 years.
Funeral services will be Friday at 11am at Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home and Crematory, in New Philadelphia.
Memorials for Joe Stephon can be made to Big Brother Big Sisters of East Central Ohio, 400 Mill Avenue SE, Suite 337, New Philadelphia 44663, or to help establish a Quaker Foundation Scholarship to PO Box 627, New Philadelphia, or online at www.quakerfoundation.org.
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