Dr. Richard J. DiStefano
Dan McClelland
Dr. Richard J. DiStefano passed away August 19th, 2024, at Crouse Hospital following a tragic accident during a triathlon in Cazenovia, N.Y.
He was the youngest of three sons born to Guido and Mary DiStefano, of Tupper Lake.
He was salutatorian of his Tupper High class of 1976, and earned All Northern Honors in football and baseball, enjoying both team sports as well as ice hockey.
Rick graduated from Yale University with a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering in 1980 and afterwards worked with International Paper.
He then graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University in 1989 and finished his orthopedic surgical training in 1995. He worked as a spine surgeon for Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, having privileges at many local hospitals, and dutifully serving the people of Central New York. First and foremost, he was an amazingly loving and devoted husband, father, uncle, and friend.
Dr. DiStefano is survived by his wife Sheryl, daughter Kathryn, both of Jamesville, N.Y.; sons David (Libby) of Denver, CO; Daniel of Boston, MA; brother James (Anne) of Dewitt, N.Y.; nephews James Jr. (Joanna) and nieces Antonia and Olivia of Oakland, CA; Joseph (Courtney) and niece AnnaLeigh and nephew Luca of Marietta, GA; nephew Matthew of Mantauk Falls, NY; niece Lauren of Austin, TX; and multiple other DiStefano relatives.
The family extends their thanks to the medical staff at the triathlon and Crouse Hospital who did their best to help him. Donations can be made to CNY Triathlon Club, PO Box 434, Dewitt NY, 13214 in Dr. DiStefano's honor
Calling hours will be at Eaton and Tubbs Funeral Home in Fayetteville on Thursday, August 22, from 4p.m. to 8p.m.. A funeral mass will be at Holy Cross Church in Dewitt on Friday, August 23, followed by a burial ceremony at St. Mary's Cemetery.