Joseph (Joe) Stefanski

Joseph (Joe) Stefanski (82) 

Born April 27, 1944 in Passaic, New Jersey, to the late Edward and Julia Stefanski. 

From the time he was a young boy, Joe had a passion for music, particularly the trumpet, which he began playing at just four years old. His natural talent and dedication became evident at an early age. By the time he was in 8th grade, he had already advanced beyond what his school music program could offer and was invited to play with the high school band. He also developed a lifelong love of hunting and fishing after receiving his first rifle as a young boy. 

Following his graduation in 1962 from Wayne High School in Wayne, New Jersey, Joe attended night school at Juilliard for the performing arts before joining the United States Air Force. While serving, he performed with the Air Force Band, where he played first chair in Newburgh, New York, and traveled to various places, including Germany. He also had the opportunity to play for notable figures, including President John F. Kennedy.

 After having a serious automobile accident, Joe was honorably discharged from the service and began a career in finance. Around that time, Joe married JoAnn, whom he had begun dating after graduating from high school. After their marriage, they decided to make New England their home. They made several moves between Southern New Hampshire and Vermont before eventually settling in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, where they spent 35 years and raised two sons. 

While advancing his career in banking and eventually becoming vice president of Monadnock Bank, Joe also became part owner of Environmental Systems, the company behind the popular Bug Popper product. His passion for aviation led him to purchase his first floatplane, a Cessna 206. Eventually, deciding that life behind a desk wasn’t for him, Joe left banking to run the company full-time. 

Around 1981, Joe was bought out of his ownership interest in Environmental Systems, but remained with the company as an employee. He then embarked on another successful business venture, franchising a yellow pages consulting company, Directory Advertising Consultants, from one of his closest friends in New Jersey. His success throughout the 1980s eventually led him to become part owner of Lac Ternay Lodge in Quebec. 

During the summers, when he wasn’t consulting, Joe would bring guests to the lodge to experience hundreds of miles of pristine, untouched waterways, fishing for prized brook trout and other cold-water fish. He also enjoyed caribou hunting, another pursuit that reflected his love of the outdoors and adventure. 

In 1990, after bringing his consulting career to a close, Joe turned his attention to the outfitting business full-time. He expanded his operations by adding Diana Lake Lodge and founded High Arctic Adventures, a highly successful outfitting company. He continued building and operating the business for nearly 30 years, until 2019. He then spent his remaining years enjoying life at home in Barton, Vermont, where he died peacefully on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 with his family by his side. 

Joe was incredibly proud of what he had built with High Arctic Adventures. Whether attending trade shows to promote the business or simply talking with someone about his experiences, he always displayed tremendous enthusiasm and excitement.

 To say Joe was a risk-taker who loved adventure would be an understatement. His interests were as diverse as his experiences. He had a deep appreciation for modern jazz in the likes of Bobby Shew and Chet Baker, hunting, fishing, floatplanes, and the great outdoors. He also enjoyed good, clean comedy, such as Johnny Carson, and a great adventure movie, with Northwest Passage and Raiders of the Lost Ark among his favorites. 

Above all, Joe was a loving husband and father, and a loyal friend to many. His adventurous spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and love of life will be remembered by all who knew him. 

Joe is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn; his two sons, Scott and Jason; his grandchildren, Willa and Clara; his brother, Michael and wife Karen; his two sisters, Carol Pelle and Susan and William Amann; cousins and many nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life will be held privately at a later date.