Vincent Stefano, Jr. (81), husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, and lifelong Burbank, California, resident and former mayor (Burbank), passed away on Aug. 24, 2020.
Born on Dec. 21, 1938, in Burbank, the only child to Vincent Sr. and Mary Stefano, descedants of Italian immigrant families. He graduated in the last winter class at John Burroughs High School in 1957. He attended the University of Southern California, led the student body, became an active member of the Theta Xi fraternity, president of the Trojan Knights, Trojan Squires and an avid Trojan football fan. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in public administration, Vince attended Loyola Law School. He was president of the Loyola Bar Association from 1963-1964 and earned his law degree. He went on to practice law for over 40 years.
Before starting his private law practice, where he counseled and supported countless local clients in matters of family, real estate and corporate law, Vince was a deputy city attorney for the City of Los Angeles, deputy district attorney for Los Angeles County, and city prosecutor for the City of Burbank. Vince was a firm believer in civic duty. It was his passion for local politics and debate that ultimately lead him to run for Burbank City Council, serving from 1973 through 1977, and as mayor from 1974 to 1975. Vince was largely responsible for the city’s paramedic program, the CHP, and the CalPERS pension plan. He also served on several other boards and commissions for Burbank and was an active member of the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center and Providence High School communities.
Vince was well known as a great leader, friend, and supporter of businesses both big and small, lending insight, advice and endorsements when asked. It was his strong work ethic, sense of pride, and his integrity, that his friends and family will always remember. This is most evidenced by the tremendous outreach the family has received from hundreds of individuals Vince helped, many times pro bono, during his legal career.
Without question, Vince was most proud of his family. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Mary Lou (Moore), and his five children: Vincent Joseph (wife Brooke, granddaughters Taylor, Erin, Makenna), Robert James (wife Amy, grandsons AJ and Bode, granddaughter Owyn), Daniel Anthony (wife Michelle, granddaughters Sofia, Siena, Sicily), Ann Marie Bash (husband Steven, granddaughter Stevie) and Paige Moore Kirkpatrick (husband David, grandson James and granddaughter Reese). He took great pride in his children’s accomplishments, consistently teaching them to work hard, play hard, love deeply, be loyal, while always putting family first.
Vince loved spending time with friends, traveling to watch USC football, visiting various wine regions of California, and retreating to Dana Point, CA on weekends. But most of all, Vince relished in his Sunday night pasta dinners surrounded by family.
A private Mass will be held for Vincent’s family in the coming weeks and a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring for his extended family and friends.
He was a legend whose Spirit and Legacy will live on.
Fight on Vince!
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations made in honor of Vincent Stefano, Jr. to:
Sisters of Providence, c/o Mother Joseph Province, 1801 Lind Ave SW, M1-C, Renton, WA 98057.
