Burke Charles Stephens

STOW - Burke Charles Stephens, 80, passed away March 9, 2025. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Stephens and mother, Wilma (Billie) Stephens. Burke is survived by his wife, Lidia; daughters, Michelle (Andrew) Dodd, Lisa (Nicholas) Wren, and Kelly (Richard) Candido; grandchildren, Ryan Dodd, Arnie Dodd, Cassidy Wren, Payton Wren, London, August, Eli, and Luca Candido, as well as siblings, Cathy (Jim) Hummel and Jerry (Kim) Stephens. Burke was born October 5, 1944, in Akron, Ohio. He grew up in the North Hill neighborhood with his grandparents and parents and then attended St. Vincent High School. He went on to attend the University of Akron where he received a Bachelor's degree in Education, and two Master’s degrees in Education/Administration. Before beginning his teaching career, Burke was drafted into the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. After being discharged, he began teaching at Saint Rita School in Solon, Ohio, where he met his future wife, Lidia, of 50 years. Burke then continued his long career in education within the Aurora City School District where he spent the next 40 years. While at Aurora, he found a passion for coaching football as well, where he was the Defensive Coordinator for the High School football team. Upon retirement from Aurora, Burke finished out his career in education by returning to his Alma Matter, St. Vincent-St Mary High School, as the Dean of Students, finally retiring. Burke enjoyed spending his free time reading, at his family cottage in Canada, and taking beach vacations with friends and family. Friends are invited to Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow, 44224 for visitation on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 4 to 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 10 AM, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 3179 Kent Road, Stow, 44224. Private inurnment will take place at a later date at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Seville, OH.