George Robert Stephens, Jr., was called home to the lord on Friday, July 7, 2017, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. He was born on November 10, 1929, in Springfield, Massachusetts to the late George R. and Edna (Amundsen-Grant) Stephens; the oldest child of two. He was a graduate of Agawam High School (1947), University of Massachusetts Amherst (Summa Cum Laude 1952), Yale School of Forestry (Master of Forestry 1958) and Yale University (PhD 1961). George married Irene Mary Hackett on September 8, 1951, in Agawam, while a senior at UMass. Together, they had seven children and were one month shy of celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary at the time of her passing in 2006. He was a First Lieutenant in the United States Army and served from 1952 – 1957, in the 1st Armored and 4th Infantry Divisions. George was stationed at Fort Knox, KY; Fort Hood, TX; Germany and Fort Polk, LA. He began his career as an assistant scientist in 1958 at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven and retired in 1997 as Chief of Forestry and Horticulture. George’s true calling was to the diaconate and he was ordained a Permanent Deacon in 1981, serving the parish of St. Frances Cabrini in North Haven until 2015. He touched the lives of many people while sharing his strong faith. Our father was a quiet and unassuming man; he led by example. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life – a good meal, a glass of wine, gardening and fishing. Left to honor and remember George’s name are his seven children, Timothy, North Haven, CT; Lynne (Eric) Baxter, Bayboro, NC; Ellen (Michael) Ganz, Billings, MT; Matthew, Riverdale, MD; Charlotte (William) Robbins, Old Saybrook, CT; Mark, North Haven, CT and Kristina, Clinton, CT; 15 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; his beloved sister, Karen (James) Betz , Huntingtown, MD, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Irene. George will be remembered for his humble manner, yet strong presence. Memories of his kindness and generosity will be cherished by all.
Family and friends may call at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Wednesday from 4 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday morning at 10:00 in St. Frances Cabrini Church, 57 Pond Hill Road, North Haven. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Office of Radio & Television, Archdiocese of Hartford, 15 Peach Orchard Road, Prospect, CT 06712-1052.
Ellen, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your father was a very accomplished man. Knowing him through you, I can see where he will be missed greatly by his friends and family.
Prayers and love to you and your family during this difficult time.
With symbathy to your family on the loss of your father. Was a very nice man.
To the Stephens Family, our sincere condolences. George was a pleasant person who was loved and appreciated by all of us at St. Frances Cabrini. He is now cashing in his reward to His most loving God, to whom he gave unceasingly to. We missed his presence greatly during his illness. RIP George. From the Cavallaro Family.
Our sincere sympathy to the Stephens Family. George was a wonderful presence among us here at St. Frances Cabrini. He gave his time and willingly to help spread the word of our Lord. RIP George, enjoy the rewards that you worked so hard for. We at St. Frances Cabrini missed you during your illness and will continue to miss you. You and the memories we have of you will stay in our hearts.
The Cavallaro Family
Our deepest sympathies to your family. George was a kind and gentle soul many years ago when he trained then guided my son Daniel as an Alter Server at St. Francis Cabrini. He was a great support to him during a difficult time in our life. God sent a special man in your Dad to us. The Pausig Family
To the entire Stephens Family and our St Francis Cabrini Family. It’s not easy to witness such a man in this life. A humble and strong Christian man who led by example living a full life dedicated to God, Family, country, and those that he touched both in The Church and out. A true gentleman and inspiration to many. George was a leader to us (former) young men growing in our Catholic faith. His powerful yet gentle voice will be missed including his resonating homilies. May he Rest In Peace in the place God has prepared for him. Thank you George!!
So very sorry for your loss. He was such a nice man. He will be missed
Mark, Lynn, Tim, Ellen, Charlotte, Matthew and Kristina, I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to the entire Stephens family. I’ve known your dad most of my life as I grew up in St. Frances Cabrini. He was a kind man and touched so many lives, and even officiated at my wedding. I am honored to have known Mr. Stephens and will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers
Please accept my deepest sympathies to all of you in the death of your father. I grew up knowing him as your Dad and also as a man dedicated to his family, his work, his garden, and to God. He was always very kind to me and I will never forget him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
We pass along condolences and deepest sympathies to you Charlotte and Bill and to your entire family for your loss. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
George led our prayer group many years ago at St. Frances. He was very devoted as a deacon and all he did. A good man My prayers for his family and for George. Bunny & Bill O’Brien