James J. Stover

James “Bernie” Joseph Stover 68 , of 1582 Oleopolis Road, Oil City PA., died peacefully Sunday at his home after an extended illness. Born August 20, 1949 to Gerald and Margaret Hibbard Stover in Oil City. He attended St Joseph High School and Venango Christian High School.

Bernie retired from the local Pipefitters' Union 449 Pittsburgh and Local 47 Monaca as a Journeyman, having worked many years in various facilities across Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.

He attended St Stephen Church.

Bernie married his best friend and soulmate Christine M Rybak Stover on August 16, 2000, who proceeded him in death on March 12, 2015. They were truly a perfect match.

He shared a love of the outdoors and animals with his late wife Chrissy, enjoying hunting, bird-watching, and feeding the abundant wildlife near their home along the river. He also had many pets, including his half-wolf dogs, Tommy his cat, and George his parrot.

Bernie had a great sense of humor, frequently joking and playing pranks on friends and coworkers. Many only knew him by his nickname, which was the subject of many embellished stories as to its origin.

Jim had a deep devotion to his family and friends, a generous spirit and a huge heart.

He is survived and deeply loved by one brother John Stover, of North Fort Myers FL and one sister Joyce Plumer of Oil City, PA, brothers-in-law Walter Rybak and family of Toano VA, Alan Rybak and family of Lakeville MN, Kevin Rybak and family of Beaver PA, Greg Rybak and family of Oil City, and one sister-in-law Carol Kosco and family of Midlothian VA. Additionally family includes step-son Dale Detar and family, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his wife Christine Rybak, three sisters Joanne Stover Reger, Jocelyn Stover Guth, Judith Stover Leins, and two brothers, Buddy and Jerry Stover.

Memorial donations may be made to the Saint Elizabeth Center in Oil City.

Friends will be received from 1:00-2:00 P.M. Thursday in St. Joseph Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 P.M. with Fr. John Miller presiding.

Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

The Reinsel Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com

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