Stephen Francis Palun's Obituary
Stephen Francis Palun, age 63, passed away on May 14, 2016 after a long illness with frontotemporal dementia. Stephen was an only child, born in Natrona Heights, PA to J. Edward and C. Rose (Frantz) Palun (both deceased) and moved to Erie, PA as a child. He attended parochial grade schools and Cathedral Preparatory High School in Erie. He graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma University with a degree in Aviation Science. He piloted planes from the age of 16, achieving several ratings as Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Flight Instructor. He made a career change and received on the job training as a respiratory therapist and then attended St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing where he achieved a diploma in Nursing. Through Edinboro University and Hamot Hospital School of Anesthesia, Stephen received certification as a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). He was a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. At his last position he worked at Firelands Regional Medical Center, Sandusky, OH, providing anesthesia for Labor and Delivery patients.
He was married May 17, 1975 to Joanne Hodas Palun, who survives, along with their children, Stephen E. Palun of Cincinnati, OH, Laurie K. Palun Broze (husband Chris) of Galena, OH, and Jeffrey M. Palun (wife Nikkii), of Cincinnati, OH. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren, Brian Palun, Ava, Nathan, and Alex Broze, Elliot and Samantha Palun. He is also survived by aunts, uncle, and many cousins.
Stephen lived in Amherst, OH and was a member of St. Joseph Parish, where he was a Eucharistic Minister, played guitar and sang with the Contemporary Choir. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 4891. He was a Cubmaster for Pack 429 and Scoutmaster for Troop 431 of Boy Scouts of America. He and his family fostered babies for Catholic Social Services for 8 years. Stephen was a volunteer anesthetist for 2 weeks per year with Medical Ministry International and went on 5 missions to the Dominican Republic and 1 to Ecuador. Besides flying, he enjoyed experimental plane construction, martial arts, traveling, camping, scuba diving, music and photography.
The Palun family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Closing prayers will be held on Wednesday, May 18th. At 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 200 St. Joseph Drive, Amherst. Rev. Fr. Joe Warner will officiate.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
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