Paul R. DeStefano

November 7, 1967 - March 7, 2020

visitation

Voss Chapel

316 North Chestnut Street

Seymour, IN 47274

Friday 3/13, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

St. Ambrose Catholic Church

325 S. Chestnut St.

Seymour, IN 47274

Saturday 3/14, 9:00 am - 10:00 am

service

Voss Chapel

316 North Chestnut Street

Seymour, IN 47274

Friday 3/13, 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm

mass

St. Ambrose Catholic Church

325 S. Chestnut St.

Seymour, IN 47274

Saturday 3/14, 10:00 am

Paul R. DeStefano, 52, of Seymour, passed away from a long battle with brain cancer on Saturday, March 7, 2020. He was born in Chicago. The son of the late Sara D. (Galfano) DeStefano and James DeStefano.
Funeral Mass will be conducted by Voss & Sons Funeral Service at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Dan Staublin officiating assisted by Deacon Mike East. A private graveside service will be held at a later time.
Family and friends may call at Voss & Sons Funeral Service on Friday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Rosary will be held at Voss & Sons Funeral Service on Friday at 4:30 p.m.
On August 28, 1993, Paul married Benita Tschudny; she survives. He was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Paul graduated from Merrillville Senior High School, class of 1986. Paul graduated from Rose-Hulman in 1990 with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and a minor in Applied Optics. In 1992, he graduated from Rose-Hulman School of Technology with a Masters in Applied Optics.
Paul was a member of American Mensa, Ltd., a Founding Father of Rose-Hulman Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, SPIE – The International Society for Optical Engineering, as well as SAE – Society of Automotive Engineers where Paul served as the chairman of the Road Illumination Device Standards Committee.
Paul was Manager of Optical Engineering and Regulations at Valeo Lighting Systems of North America and had served the company for 23 years. He was a Valeo Lighting Expert in Regulatory Affairs and was a valued teacher and mentor for many new aspiring engineers in the company. He held a US Patent for System & Method for Controlling a Lighting and/or Signaling Device.
In his free time, Paul enjoyed playing cards, especially poker. His nickname was “the professor.” He also held a 2nd degree Black Belt in Ronin Ryu Bujutsu. Paul enjoyed listening to and playing music, and spending time with family and friends.
Paul is survived by his wife of 26 years, Benita DeStefano; brother, David DeStefano; mother-in-law, Kathy Tschudny; brother-in-law, David (Sandi) Tschudny; sister-in-law, Melissa (Brent) Pound; nephews, Caleb DeStefano, Evan Pound, Kaiden Tschudny, Braiden Tschudny; niece, Rebecca DeStefano as well as great-nephew, Jack Wolff.
He was preceded in death by his mother; and father-in-law, Nick Tschudny.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be written to St. Ambrose Catholic Church or Hospice of Schneck Medical Center, in care of Voss & Sons Funeral Service.
Paul stopped on his way through the pearly gates to thank St. Peter for the bright light but maybe he should think about some glare control.
Online condolences may be given on the funeral home website at www.vossfuneralservice.com.

Voss Chapel

316 North Chestnut Street

Seymour, IN 47274

Map

Friday 3/13, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

St. Ambrose Catholic Church

325 S. Chestnut St.

Seymour, IN 47274

Map

Saturday 3/14, 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Voss Chapel

316 North Chestnut Street

Seymour, IN 47274

Map

Friday 3/13, 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm

St. Ambrose Catholic Church

325 S. Chestnut St.

Seymour, IN 47274

Map

Saturday 3/14, 10:00 am

Tribute Video

See Condolences

I first met Paul my freshman year at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and I later was able to work for and with him for several years at Valeo. His intelligence and professionalism made his a valued contributor within Valeo worldwide and as a member of SAE. His kind, generous nature made him a great friend. He will be missed very much by the many, many people he influenced in numerous positive ways. My condolences to Benita and all of Paul's family and friends. - Greg SImons

2 files added to the album Memories Album

I had the honor to meet Paul DeStefano in 2010 when I joined Valeo Lighting in Seymour. During my 2 year period there, I got to interface with Paul on a technical level and personal level. From technical side, he had a wealth of knowledge in Optics and lighting. He was an outstanding mentor to many young optical engineers. I got to learn from him as well. He was an amazing teacher! Let's not forget his leadership in the regulatory field in lighting. That's how I got to know about Paul prior to joining Valeo. And he was known worldwide by the lighting community for his leadership and meaningful contribution to our industry! On a personal, level, I got to see his kindness and warm hearted personality both at work and outside. Such a joy to be around him. The last time I saw Paul, was after I moved to Valeo Troy, and we both participated at the French Week in Chicago in 2014, representing Valeo at this event. Paul we will greatly miss you. May you rest in peace! My deepest sympathy to his wife, family and friends. Amine Taleb - Valeo / Troy

Wildflower Seeds - Build A Memory Garden was purchased for the family of Paul R. DeStefano.

Benita- I am so very saddened to hear this news about Paul. He definitely was a fighter and such a brilliant man. I am sorry for your loss and will be praying for comfort and peace for you and your family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Benita, Paul always kept a smile and stayed quietly positive even in the tough and challenging work environment. Sincere and very admirable. ~Doug Mills

Dear Benita, All of these comments about your Paul have to be so encouraging to you. I have enjoyed reading them as well knowing that his extraordinary talents and kind personality was enjoyed by so many coworkers and friends. I want to add.....and Paul also married well! He chose an extraordinarily dedicated wife! You could not have given him better care and attention throughout your marriage! The complete dedication you poured into caring for Paul and the joy you showed daily in giving that care to him, will forever stand out to me in my work ahead! You focused on “the present” time you had with your husband and it was beautiful to watch. Your commitment to Paul was complete and extraordinary. I love you, friend! Your mom, Kathy, showed that same extraordinary love to you Benita through Paul’s journey. That mother/daughter support was also extraordinary to witness! Love to you and your beautiful family, Colette Mills

I worked first with Paul while in Europe, as he was the Valeo recognised regulation expert for North American. I then had the opportunity to work with Paul in Seymour. Paul managed his team with great care, father-like, and was a great support to all the development and production teams in Seymour. Paul was greatly missed when he stopped working with us in Seymour, both on a professional and personal level. My thoughts are with his wife Benita and his old working colleagues. Gavin Warner Valeo R&D Director France

I am shocked but Bill - you captured my exact feelings. He was one of a special group of people that formed an organization to show a different path from many college experiences - one focused more on service. My life is better because Paul was a part of it. In phi phi kappa alpha eternal.

As the director of music ensembles at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, I had the honor and pleasure of working with Paul. He was brilliant, insightful, humorous, very talented as a pianist and an accompanist, and had perfect pitch. He was also a good friend. I recruited Benita (my friend from church) to be a member of the RHIT Mixed Chorus and was so happy to see the two fall in love. One of my fondest memories is shortly before his graduation from RHIT and marriage to Benita, he purchased a new car. He was so excited and had to show me all the safety features which would keep his future wife safe. I know Paul would have mentioned the glare control and so glad the heavenly choir sings in tune. Rest in peace, Paul; you will be greatly missed. My love and condolences to Benita, the DeStefano family, and the Tschudny family. Debra Goecker Virginia

I enjoyed working with Paul over the years as an industry associate and colleague and even as a company competitor. Paul always challenged me until we could mutually (kind of ...) agree on an item. His contributions over the years to the SAE Lighting Group are very much appreciated by the industry. I value the times spent together at group meetings and the ability to share some laughs along the way. “That silly De Boer scale is upside down ... ain’t it ..?” Rest in peace. My sincere sympathy to Benita and the DeStefano family. Joe Jaklic – Guide Lamp/Fisher Guide, Osram Sylvania, SAE

So very sorry to the family and friends of Paul, on the news of his passing. Paul was brilliant, and we will miss his sense of humor and bright light. May he rest in peace. L. and L. Rude

I knew Paul back from our days of CCD at Our Lady of Consolation and Merrillville High School. Great person. He will be missed. I am saddened to hear of his passing. May God give comfort and peace to his family.

I have just received the very sad news of Paul's passing after his valiant fight with his illness and I send my sincere condolences to his family. Paul was a professional engineer with impressive knowledge and skill in the field of automotive lighting. On numerous occasions I was privileged to work with him on committees working to improve traffic safety. At a human level Paul was a kind and considerate person appreciated by everyone who worked with him.He will be greatly missed. Geoff Draper Based in England, UK President of the International Automotive Lighting and Light Signalling Expert Group (GTB) with head office in Turin, Italy.

I new Paul through his association with the SAE Lighting Group. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to Paul's family,

With deepest sympathy. Paul was a founding member of the Iota Delta Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha at Rose Hulman. He was not only a shining light but a guiding light. His moral compass always on target. Paul left the bonds of Iota Delta way to early but is now in the bonds of Pi Kappa Alpha Chapter Eternal. And in Chapter Eternal Paul is probably already planning an event and chairing a committee. Rest In Peace Paul, in the bonds of our fraternity. Bill Carls

I am shocked and devastated by the news of Paul's passing. I wanted to pass on my deepest sympathies to David and the rest of his family. Paul was a close friend of mine in high school when we lived blocks apart in Crown Point, IN, He was probably the smartest person I knew and I looked up to him for that plus his amazing musical talent. Being a musician myself we spent a lot of time together with piano (and him on piano and guitar). We lost touch after high school but I always knew he would be extremely successful and I have always thought even to this day about what amazing things he was doing in his life. Jeff Pastor - Merrillville High School Class of '86

I am shocked by this sad news. I wish strength to Paul's family, friends and colleagues. I know Paul from the SAE Lighting Committee and I always have highly appreciated him with his knowledge, professionalism and friendliness. Wilfried van Laarhoven DEKRA in the Netherlands

It is with great sadness that we learned of Paul's passing. I learned a lot from him. I share your grief at this difficult time. My sincere condolences for your loss. Elodie Mercier_ VALEO ANGERS

Dear Paul, I will always remember you , especially for the human way you were used to manage your daily work , team spirit , readiness to help colleages , open mind, curiosity and such human values Patrick Graas , Valeo Belgium

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Paul, I will remember your support, your enthusiasm and the way to manage regulation affair in USA while I was at Seymour. My most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Paul Christophe Cros Valeo

I was Paul and Dave's neighbor in Crown Point. He was a great person and it's a shame he was taken so soon. I'm sorry for your loss.

6 files added to the album Memories Album

Benita, I will always cherish the times I was able to spend with Paul. He was a very special person, and I valued his friendship very much, even though he was always trying to "push my buttons". I shared some of the pictures I had from Christmas's past as well as other events. I know Paul is in a better place now, where his light is and will always shine bright.

Paul and I have been colleagues in the vehicle exterior lighting industry for more than 25 years. Paul was always a valued source of information and assistance for the lamp projects we worked on together. You will be missed. From Dennis Novack at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Benita, Thinking of you during this difficult time and wishing you peace and comfort. May memories of Paul and the love of family surround you and give you strength. Nikki Ameredes (SAE friend)

Dear Paul , we have worked together at Valeo on Optical topics and on Regulation affairs for more than 15 years. I have appreciated your professionalism, your Expertise, your kindness and simplicity. I hope that you find rest after this terrible illness that has taken you away. We will miss you. You colleague and friend, Eric Blusseau. Valeo France.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.