Stephanos Manoli "Sugar" Vlahon

ALBION - Stephanos Vlahon, a 17-year-old resident of Albion, lovingly known by all as “Sugar”, began his mission on this earth on February 21, 2003, blessing the lives of many. After many years of struggling with limited abilities and medical complications, Sugar peacefully returned to our loving Heavenly Father on February 23, 2020, just two days after his 17th birthday.

Sugar was a very happy boy, whose joys in life consisted of simple pleasures. It was those seemingly little, but important things in life that truly brought him happiness. Some of his greatest loves were the times he spent listening to and singing along to music. Sugar would try so hard to learn new things and would often implement his own twist on new dance moves whenever upbeat music played over the radio. He was also a drummer at heart. He loved to spend time with his head gently leaning on the dryer, drumming out his own rhythm of life. This rhythm included crinkling papers, and loud popping noises, the louder the better. Each noise would cause him to laugh. Not a simple chuckle but a big belly laugh.

When Sugar was able to walk, he enjoyed long walks in the country or at parks with his family. Sugar loved being in nature and enjoyed the beauty that surrounded him. He and his family would spend hours outside and found great adventure in playing in the grass. When he was unable to be outside, Sugar would walk miles from room to room. As his ability to walk diminished, Sugar found joy in looking out the big windows of his home. The birds that fluttered by and the country scenes brought a smile to his face. Car rides were another of his favorite activities and allowed him the mobility his body often didn’t allow. No matter the means of transport, Sugar loved spending time with his family and exploring, by any means, the great outdoors. Especially when it included a speedy trip with his brother in his motorized power wheel, and as they aged, trips up the mountainside in the mud-splashed Gator.

Sugar loved water, no matter the form, be it the time at the lake, time in his pool, or time spent splashing in his bath, he enjoyed them all. He also loved his fluffy puppy, who is not so fluffy.

Sugar’s life, changed the lives of many, especially his mother, Penny. His delicate circumstance required her full-time attention. Penny sacrificed much in order to provide for Sugar a life full of family and simple pleasures – even a life full of quality. His sister and brother were changed through the love and service they too provided him. Ashley gave Sugar joy in their cuddle and play moments together and Josh became Sugars strength when he no longer had the strength to stand.

Sugar’s life was that of laughter, goofiness, and happiness especially during those moments when he was free from pain.

Sugar is survived by his angel mother, Penny Vlahon; his older sister, Ashley (Matt) Walters; his younger brother, Josh Weston; and his aunt, Maria (Charles) Vlahon Elgin.

The family would like to express their immense gratitude and thanks to the following: Our Lord. He is the only reason we made it through these years. He gave us the strength to handle what had been placed before us; our loving family, which includes our church family; his gentle nurses over the years and all the medical staff who believed in them, especially, Dr. Romney; Darren Smyer, for his compassion and generosity and being so kind and good to our family; and to all others who have been a great support in many ways, financially and emotionally. We are so thankful for your friendship, encouragement, and many prayers on our behalf. All these things made a big difference in our lives and in the life of Sugar. We couldn’t have made it through the last 17 years without all of you.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 2, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Albion Ward, located at 889 S. Main St., in Albion, with Bishop Dave Nebeker officiating. A viewing for family and friends will be held from noon until 12:45 p.m. prior to the funeral. Burial will follow at the Mormon Cemetery in Albion.