Stephan P. Centofante

Stephan Paul Centofante, 66

Youngstown…Stephan Paul Centofante passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, with his life partner, Hector M. Garcia by his side.

Stephan was born January 17, 1952, to Paul and Stephanie (Dunchak) Centofante.  His first home was in Lowellville and he later moved with his family to Struthers.  As a child he spent many hours exploring Yellow Creek Park, beginning his lifelong love of nature and the outdoors.  In 1964, he moved with his parents and sisters to Poland and graduated in 1970 from Poland Seminary High School.

Following high school, Stephan headed west to California.  He lived for several years in the San Francisco Bay area, working on the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, operating his own wine shop called The Cellar. 

Stephan returned home to Ohio in the 1980’s and attended Raphael’s School of Beauty.  He began his career as a hairstylist in Trumbull County, that included Hair Graphics, Images Plus andHead to Toe in Liberty; and eventually operating his own business the Ramada Hair and Nail Salon in Liberty.  He moved his clientele to Bumperz Hair Company in the 1990’s, where he worked until his cancer diagnosis in 2017.

Stephan was a gifted stylist who had a knack for making his clients feel beautiful, but his true calling was as an exceptionally talented artist.  He was able to capture and create remarkable images using nearly every medium.  Honing his skills early on, he created set designs for the Youngstown Playhouse and mastered techniques in pencil, ink, oil, watercolor and airbrush designs.  He attended several art festivals showing his work, which included breathtaking images of horses, original fantasy characters and driftwood sculptures constructed from wood handpicked from the shores of Lake Erie.

Stephan leaves behind to lovingly remember him always, his mother, Stephanie Centofante of Poland; sisters, Cynthia (Jeff) White of New Bern, NC, Paula (Jim) Kane and Mary (Bob) Ramsbottom of Poland, and Carla (Michael) Davanzo of Lowellville; as well as several nieces and nephews.  He will also be sadly missed and fondly remembered by the Garcia family.  Above all, he will be most especially missed by his partner of 40 years, Hector M. Garcia, who lovingly and selflessly cared for him to the end. LUV.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Centofante; a brother, Mark Centofante; sisters, Erica Centofante Smith and Rosa Garcia; a nephew, Travis Garcia; and great-nephew, Travis Waguespack.

Tremendous thanks and gratitude go out to all those who kept Stephan close in prayer during his illness.  He appreciated beyond measure the generous outpouring of love and support during this time.

All who wish to honor his memory are welcome to attend an open house celebration of Stephan’s life and art, which will be held on Sunday, November 4, 2018 from 4-6:00 p.m. at Bumperz Hair Company, 5431 South Ave., Youngstown, 44512. 

Per Stephan’s request, please do not send floral arrangements or plants. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephan P. Centofante, please visit our floral store.