Stiemar co-founder passes away at the age of 96

The co-founder of Stiemar Bread Company has passed away at the age of 96.

If you’ve ever had a Stiemar donut, or grabbed a coffee there, you have Luigi Stievano to thank.

Stievano, one of the original founders of Stiemar Bread Company, has passed away at 96.

He died Tuesday in Australia, surrounded by his wife and family.

Back in 1959, he and partner Luigi Marson combined their names to create Stiemar, a business that became a Windsor staple.

They pioneered the donut-and-coffee shop model and it’s still in the family today.

The current co-owner called her uncle adventurous.

“[He’s] definitely missed. Even though he’s far away. You know, with social media, he was even at 96 Facetiming and stuff like that,” said Anita Della Valle, co-owner, Stiemar.

Stievano moved to Australia in 1970 and found success there too — this time in real estate.

“We always admired him for his risk taking, you know, because he, he did things and with our kids, you know, that’s a big risk to start a business … He was just a really lovely man,” said Della Valle.