Obituary of Russell B. Stephenson

Russell Bars Stephenson, age 94 of Youngstown, passed away Wednesday September 21, 2011 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, after a brief illness. Russell was born June 16, 1917 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late Lawrence and Doris (Bars) Stephenson. He was the last remaining alumni of the 1935 graduating class of Youngstown High School. Recently, he was recognized as the resident who has resided in Youngstown for the longest period of time. He was honored, along with several other long time residents, with a ride in a special carriage in the Labor Day Parade. He was very proud of this honor and a few years ago he was asked to make a video of his memories in Youngstown, and how he viewed the Village through his many years there. "Steve" to all those who knew and loved him, previously owned and operated Old Orchard Beach Campgrounds, a seafood business, and a cleaning business. He also had worked for a dairy, and for 40 years was employed by E.I. DuPont Co., in Niagara Falls, until his retirement in 1979 as a Dept. Supervisor. He was a man of many talents and an extremely hard worker. It kept him young, he often said. He was a member of the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co. and an Exempt Member. Many will remember him for the wonderful fruits, vegetables, and flowers he and his late wife, Helen, grew and sold at their produce stand in front of their home on Lockport St.. He was very proud of his gardens and tended to them even at the age of 94. He was predeceased by his lovely wife of 64 years, Helen (Jeffords) Stephenson in 2005. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Kaye (Ian) Kerr of Winnepeg, Canada; a daughter in law, Bonnie (Clark) Jester of Florida; his grandchildren, Tina (Thomas) Oddy of Youngstown, Kim Leabo of Texas, James Stephenson, II of New Jersey, and Stephen (Melanie) Stephenson of Florida; his great grandchildren, Kailee, and Candace Leabo of Texas, James, Karissa, and Karalyn Oddy of Youngstown, Kaitlin, Olivia, Hannah, Victoria, and Austin Stephenson of Florida; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, James Stephenson; a sister, Effie Werner, and several nephews. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston on Sunday from 4 - 7 pm. Funeral Services will be held Monday, September 26, at 11:00 AM in St. John's Episcopal Church, Main & Chestnut Sts., Youngstown, with the Rev. Ellen Brauza officiating. Burial will follow in Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co., PO Box 387, Youngstown, NY 14174.