Theodore J. Stephens

Theodore J. Stephens, 89, of Meredith, passed away on Friday, September 14, 2012 after a period of declining health at the Golden View Health Care Center, in Meredith. Born in Orange, NJ, on August 7, 1923, he was the son of Oscar and Anna (Lynch) Stephens. Ted, as he was known, was raised in Orange, graduating from the Seton Hall Preparatory High School, class of 1941. After graduating high school he worked at South Orange Trust Co. as a teller before entering the Navy. Ted served in the 7th Pacific Fleet during WWII on the USS Boston. After the Navy, Ted went to work for the Robert Odell & Co., in Newark, NJ, and then went on to start his own business, the Salon Services & Equipment Co., in Cornwells Heights, PA; until his retirement. In his retirement, Ted found great interest and pleasure in operating as a flea-market vendor throughout Pennsylvania. He also loved spending time on his houseboat, the "Vagabond II", off the New Jersey coast. Ted had a firm handshake and a strong work ethic, both of which he imparted to his children and grandchildren. In 2008, Ted moved to Meredith to be closer to his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his three sons, Theodore J. Stephens, Jr. and wife Jacalyn, of South Port, N.C., Robert H. Stephens and wife Mary Helen, of Moultonborough, and Richard B. Stephens and wife April, of Moultonborough & Jupiter, FL; two daughters, Joan Very, of Meredith, and Linda Hunt and husband Arthur, of Groveton, NH; 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; a brother, William Stephens and his wife Carol, of Briell, NJ; his former wife, Virginia Stephens, of Meredith; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Patricia. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9:30 AM on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at St. Charles- Borromeo Roman Catholic Church, in Meredith, NH. The Very Rev. Dennis J. Audet, V.F., pastor, will officiate. Following the service, an internment ceremony will be conducted at the NH Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH, at 12 PM. A reception will follow in the Undercroft at Trinity Episcopal Church, Meredith NH. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Meredith Food Pantry.

Tributes

Theodore J. Stephens

August 7, 1923 - September 14, 2012