Michael Andrew Stettner September 9, 1965-February 13, 2021, 55, of Gilberstville, PA, passed away on February 13, 2021 at home.
Michael was beloved to his family, including his wife of 30 years, Kathy (nee Canning), daughter Laura and son Ryan. Mike was the son of Janet (Mikus) Stettner and the late John Stettner, and son-in-law of Kathleen and the late Edward Canning. Michael also leaves behind his sister Kathy Malkoskie (Steve), sisters-in-law Amy Canning (Tyree Jones), Susan Held, brother-in law Ed Canning, many nieces, nephews and godchildren and lots of close friends.
Mike was born and raised in Allentown, PA and graduated from Parkland High School. He attended Millersville University earning a BS degree in Education, and later earning his Master’s from Villanova University. Mike spent his career educating high school students in earth sciences, including environmental science, geology, meteorology and oceanography. He taught at St. Huberts High School in Philadelphia before joining Lower Merion High School in 1995. Mike loved his students and found great joy in coaching the Science Olympiad, leading the team to two state titles and National competitions. Throughout his time as an educator, Mike positively affected tens of thousands of young people, including Kobe Bryant, who graduated from Lower Merion in 1996.
He was an invaluable leader in the Lower Merion Education Association (LMEA), serving for nearly 30 years in elected positions including Secretary – Professional, and for over a decade as Vice President – Professional, while also serving as the Co-chair – Professional for the Committee on Rights and Responsibilities. In these roles, Mike acted as the association’s main liaison to the Pennsylvania State Legislature regarding education issues, and worked to ensure contract compliance. He was incredibly well connected and respected within the LMEA and the State government. He is remembered by his colleagues as a soft-spoken, inspirational and generous leader who was comfortable with everyone and made everyone feel comfortable. He was a guide to those coming up in the organization in understanding what really matters. Mike was dignified, respectful and was a friend to all.
Mike loved following Philadelphia sports teams, especially the Eagles and the Phillies. For Mike, no summer was complete without a trip to Emerald Isle, NC, including setting up his telescope and teaching his children, nieces and nephews about the stars. And no night was complete without dessert, even if it was a bowl of Lucky Charms. Mike was the man you would seek out to hold your crying baby. With Mike, the baby would always be soothed.
Mike’s greatest love was his family. He and Kathy met as college students and married soon after graduation. He and Kathy, who teaches kindergarten at Earl Elementary in Boyertown, PA happily taught together from home for months during the pandemic. Mike was an incredibly supportive father, cheering on his daughter to her recent graduation from Temple University, and his son Ryan to his Eagle Scout. Everyone will remember Mike as big hearted, steady, a calming force with a quirky sense of humor, a family man like no other. He will be missed by all every day spent without him.
Visitation will be Saturday. Feb. 20, from 2PM to 4PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Ltd., 329 N., Lewis Road, Royersford with a memorial service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Michael Stettner Memorial Fund at TruMark Financial Credit Union, 2795 Ridge Pike, Trooper PA., 19403. Funds will be used to support the Science Olympiad Team at Lower Merion High School.
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Mike was so dedicated to teaching science and making sure his students were always getting his best! He always was willing to offer his expertise and time to help others teach and enjoy the wonders of science with his “Star Gazing” events, Science Olympiad involvement, Environmental Science activities and many more. The LMSD community lost a great one for sure!
As the Stettner’s neighbor for 17 years our family is in shock and heart broken over Mike’s passing. We are hoping and praying that his family will have all the support possible to get through this devastating time. Mike was a great guy! I will miss seeing him buzzing around on his mower usually finishing his lawn way quicker then I ever could. We would chat in the street on occasion, where he would update me on all the exciting things his kids were up to. Mike will be missed but well remembered.
I am so sorry for your families loss. I knew Mike through Science Olympiad and PSEA events. The first time I had a conversation with him at the State Science Olympiad competition, I could tell just how knowledgeable and passionate he was about science. It was no wonder that his program was consistently known as being one of the best in the State. It was always nice to catch up with him anytime I saw him there after at Science Olympiad and union events. I am truly saddened by the news of his passing, but know that his knowledge and passion for science lives on through all of those he’s impacted through his entire teaching and coaching career. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
Mike was a great coach. He took his team from obscurity to become a national contender. Mike was an excellent State Event Supervisor, doing rocks and fossils for several years. PASO will miss him. I will miss him as one of the coaches I could count on to help out when I needed it.
Dave Moyer
PASO State Director
Mr. Stettner was an amazing teacher for my daughter. She speaks so highly of him and truly valued her time with him this year. He has made an indelible impression. Wishing his family and loved ones peace.
My deepest, heart-felt condolences. Mr. Stettner was a phenomenal teacher, coach, mentor, and person. All the kids at LM who knew him, especially the Science Olympiad kids, will feel his loss so keenly. My daughter is a senior now, but since her freshman year as a student in his astronomy class, Mr. Stettner has been a central part of her experience. I can’t imagine where she would have been without him.
Mike did the presentation at my retirement ceremony from LM. At the time I felt confident it was OK to leave after a long career because of the solid, knowledgeable and talented teachers who were coming up behind my generation. Mike embodied the best in the tradition of Lower Merion teaching; dedication, passion, and scholarship. Surely, there is a special place in heaven for teachers like Mike where every day is a snow day. R.I.P. Mike among your beloved stars.
Wow! I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a roommate with Mike for a week for a Science Olympiad coaches clinic. I believe this was 25 years ago. Each and every year we would have a brief conversation at Juniata College(State Science Olympiad tournament) and we would wish each other luck. I always looked forward to that few minutes with him. I will always look over to the right and see him during those stressful moments during the awards and smile. If there is a place that Mike would want to be on the last Saturday in April it would be Juniata College. He will never be forgotten
Dear Stettner family, our hearts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. We will always remember the kind smile Mike always had when he and Ryan played Quizzo. Cakes Crew was always a tough team to beat but always friendly and kind. He will be missed by many. May peace be with your family.
Mike and I ran Star Gazing nights with my kindergarten classes in Lower Merion for years. It was a wonderful event for the kids and their families. We would gather at the elementary school at night and set up several telescopes focused on the moon, Saturn, Mars and Jupiter! So much fun and so many great memories. Laura, you and my daughter Maggie used to come too! I am so sad to learn of his passing. He truly was a wonderful man! Please know I’m praying for all of you!