In 1943, his family suffered a heavy loss: Ion Davidescu died, and Ștefan, at the age of 16, had to assume the role of head of the family, being the one who had to take care of his mother, Carmen-Silvia, as well and his brothers: George, aged 13, and Ion, only six weeks old.

The shortcomings and the difficult family situation did not prevent him from maintaining his good grades, being one of the notable students of "Saints Peter and Paul" a leading high school in Ploiești.

In 1944, together with his mother and brothers, Ștefan fled to a small village, far from the hometown that had become the predominant target of Anglo-American bombing. A significant part of the village was destroyed or burned. Fortunately, their home in Ploiești suffered no significant damage, so after August 23, they could return to their home. The city was no longer the same, its streets filled with Red Army tanks and uniforms.