Luke Anderson Stefanko

Luke Anderson Stefanko, affectionately known as “Punkin” by many and “Bubba” by few, passed away on March 29, 2025. After 12 years of unbelievable strength and resilience, his heart could no longer keep up. Luke was born on October 25, 2012 in Gainesville, Florida to his biological parents, Rachel Morrow and Paul Cotton. He was born with Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, and Arnold-Chiari Malformation; in his first two years of life, he underwent multiple procedures and faced many life-altering complications. Despite all of this, he was always full of smiles and laughter. In May 2015, Rachel and Luke’s lives were forever changed by the presence of Jacob Stefanko. The bond between Jacob and Luke was undeniable. Jacob and Rachel would go on to get married on October 15, 2017 followed by Jacob officially adopting Luke on January 30, 2018. In December 2018, they welcomed their son, Lincoln Stefanko, to the world, who would end up being the best little brother to Luke; he truly was and continues to be his number one fan. Luke existed in his own little world of hugs, kisses, pats, belly rubs, and sing songs; unburdened by the expectations of daily life. He found joy in the simple things; crinkling tissue paper, the infamous sounds of podracing from Star Wars Episode I, his favorite stuffed toys, Scout and Mr. Lion; he loved an intense build-up, whether it was in a song, a movie, or simply leading up to a boop on the nose; he relished in the anticipation. He was a cherished son, brother, nephew, cousin, and grandson; his passing leaves many with a broken heart. Preceded in death by: his grandparents, Donald Nunn, Howard “Bud” Smith, Lettizia “Nona” Morrow, Teresa “Honey” Diamond; and his cousin, Matthew Lucas. Survived by: his parents, Jacob and Rachel Stefanko; his brother, Lincoln Stefanko; his grandparents, Mike (Christina) Diamond, Jeffrey (Kaye) Morrow, Michael (Tammie) Stefanko, Nancy Nunn, Rita Johnson, Abigail Smith; his aunts and uncles, Harlie “Auntie” Diamond, Jett Diamond, Jesse Diamond, Zak (Kristina) Stefanko, Makenzie Morrow, Tylor Morrow, Andrea Morrow, Emilia Morrow, Michael (Megan) Diamond, Jeremy Diamond, Travis (Morgan) Diamond, Ashley Hensley, and Melissa Sundberg; his many cousins and extended family that adored him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida’s Guest Families Fund to ensure families traveling to receive critical medical care for their child have a place to call home. https://rmhcnwfl.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/9577

Tributes

Luke Anderson Stefanko

October 25, 2012 - March 29, 2025