Obituary of Frederick A. Stephens

Frederick A. Stephens, 86, a man of many talents and interests, died Wednesday (8/28/13) after succumbing to a lengthy illness. At the time of his death he was under the care of Niagara Hospice. Born on July 26, 1927 at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center to the late Wilfred and Alberta Stephens he is survived by his wife of 40 years Marie (Cormier) Stephens, a brother Laurence Stephens of Lewiston and a sister Marjorie Yasovsky, of Tavares, FL. He was the father of six children, including Linda (Brian) Pardee, of Lewiston, David (Deirdre) Stephens, of East Aurora, Barbara Meteer, of Youngstown, Susan Stephens (Fernando Perez) of Atlanta, Gordon (Cathy) Stephens, of Youngstown and Paul Stephens, of Grand Island, three step-children, Robert Veillette of Cleveland, Michael Veillette of Houston, and Suzanne Galbo of Jacksonville Fl. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Roger and his sister Norma Stetler. Mr. Stephens graduated from Amherst High School in 1945 and served in the United States Army at the end of WWII and then earned a Bachelor's Degree in Metallurgy from Penn State University. Mr. Stephens was a successful businessman, ultimately founding Ferro-Frontiers Inc., in 1967, a company that involved brokering raw materials to steel plants located throughout the United States. With his charming personality and an amazing quick wit, he enjoyed running his business until his retirement in 2000. A lifelong Republican, Mr. Stephens, was active in local politics, serving as the Town of Porter Republican Treasurer for approximately eight years. He also served as both a board member and as Deputy Trustee for the Village of Youngstown from 1998 to 2006. He was also very active in St. John's Episcopal Church, serving as a Warden. He would gladly take on church building projects and help with the organization of its annual Strawberry Festival. Mr. Stephens was known for his love of cruising on his boat "Cheers" visiting ports near and far on Lake Ontario for more than 50 years. A member of the Youngstown Yacht Club since 1963, Mr. Stephens dedicated countless hours as a member, board member, and proudly served as Commodore in 1996. Another passion was his love of riding his motorcycle, his first being 1938 Indian. For more than 70 years, Mr. Stephens could be seen from spring to fall riding his motorcycle each year up until the age of 84. In the winter months Mr. Stephens often turned his attention to skiing. He was one of the original members of the Holimont Ski Club and skied each year with his wife and children. He was one of just a few octogenarians still hitting the slopes until a hip replacement finally made him hang up his skis. He was also recognized for having a green thumb, winning several awards from the Youngstown Garden Club for roses which he took great pride in. Visiting hours will be Saturday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, September 1, at 1:00 pm. in St. John's Episcopal Church, Main & Chestnut Sts., Youngstown with the Rev. Robert Duerr officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Rural Cemetery, Lake Rd. Youngstown. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to either Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 or to St John's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 366 Youngstown, NY 14174.