Obituary of Laurence A. Stephens

Laurence A. Stephens, age 87, of Lewiston and husband of the late Joan (Warner) Stephens entered into rest on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Sisters of Charity St. Joseph’s Hospital in Cheektowaga, NY. Laurence was born September 10, 1933 in Niagara Falls, NY. He is the son of the late Wilfred and the late Alberta (Scott) Stephens. He attended Elementary School in Amherst and graduated from LaSalle High School in Niagara Falls in 1951 playing football, basketball, and tennis. Laurence served in the United States Army in the infantry during the Korean War earning the Combat Infantry Badge as a rifle platoon Sergeant in Company L, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, he went on to graduate from Buffalo State Teachers College with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. He married Joan Warner in 1955, who predeceased him on May 2, 2013. Larry was a beloved mathematics teacher in Niagara Falls for 37 years, 4 years at Gaskill and 33 at LaSalle Senior where he served at various times as coordinator of activities, class advisor, math dept. chairman, timekeeper/announcer for football, basketball, and hockey games. He retired in 1995, Larry was President of the Niagara Falls Teachers for 16 years, President of the Niagara County United Teachers for 10 years, former Treasurer, Vestryman and Warden of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lewiston, President of Rushford Lake Landowner’s Association for 6 years, a member of the United Way of Niagara Labor Advisory Council for many years, life member of the LaSalle Sportsmen’s Club, VFW Down River Post 7487 of Lewiston serving as Commander and the Combat Infantryman’s Association. Larry was a big kid who loved his toys (boats, motorcycles, snowmobiles), his family, friends, dogs, teaching, Rushford Lake, the Bills, dessert, cards with the guys, golf, dining out with his buddies, parties, and jokes. He will live in our hearts and memories always. Surviving are his children; Laurence G. (Cynthia) Stephens of Bonham, TX, Wilfred C. (Pamela) Stephens of Lewisville, TX, Karen (Thomas) Geelan of Springville, NY; grandchildren Jeffrey (Sara), Bryan (Jackie), Haleigh, Heather and Andrew Stephens, Lindsey (Andrew) Berry and Kayla (David) Cappuccio; 8 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, dear friend Barbara Mielke, Joan Brandel Stephens and many neighbors and friends. He is predeceased by a daughter Gail Stephens and his siblings Marjorie Yasovsky, Roger Stephens, Norma Stetler and Frederick Stephens. Friends are invited to call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston on Saturday June 12 from 1 - 3 pm. Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 or to VFW7487 at lewistonvfw.org.