Richard Stephenson Obituary

Maria ,we had a casual relationship as we worked at Nyack Hospital, years ago. As fate would have it , we became dear friends as we reunited years later, at the Reformed Church in Piermont. It was there that I first met Richard ,as we fellowshiped in church. Richard was such a friendly, kind and caring man .One of the things that impressed me about him was his relationship with you, Maria. Immediately, you could sense the loving bond you had , by his admiration and devotion, for you, your children and grandchildren. Many of us had the priviledge of taking part in your Christmas "High Tea luncheon " in your beautiful home. Richard was usually at work but always showed up in the afternoon, to welcome us into his home and fellowship with us, for a spell. The atmosphere in their home was filled with love, peace , joy and the recognition that his faith influenced their life. God's love was reflected in Richard's life and in your home. He was a devout man and it was a blessing to know him.

I will always remember Richard as such a kind an thoughtful man. Always a gentleman and we had many interesting conversations during the many years of coffee hour at Church. He is greatly missed but we are grateful that he is now in perfect peace. Vicki Beaumont

We first met Rich while stationed with him in Morocco in the late 60s. He loved music and always had the latest LPs which he would bring to our house to listen to since he lived in the barracks. I still have an image of him on our living room floor with a stereo speaker by each ear listening to the Bee Gees or 3 Dog Night. We lost contact for 30 years until a chance sighting on an internet search about Morocco caught both our attentions.
We e-mailed each other and the friendship was renewed only this time it was with Rich and Maria. It's been a wonderful friendship and it's difficult to realize he is gone. Our sincerest sympathy to Maria and the family.

Dearest Steve:
Without you, I would have never fallen in love with the TV show M*A*S*H. That was the beginning of my interest in history. In this case, connecting events such as the Korean Conflict (1950-53), with the militarization of Vieques in 1941. I respected your views on military strategies and interventions while you listened to my opinions on American imperialism.

Without your musical background, knowledge and vast vinyl record collection, I would have never been inspired by the fantastic music of the Bee Gees. Yes. Nights on Broadway became a favorite. How can you mend a broken heart. As years have gone by, every time I hear their music on the radio, in the streets, anywhere ... I think of you. That is not going to change. With you I saw the hit movie Saturday Night Fever in 1977 (even though you had already seen it a few days before I arrived for Christmas).

Without you, I would have never seen in person a comedian impersonating Richard Nixon and many other politicians and celebrities. You took me to see Rich Little. We also went to the car races in Lime Rock, CT, where we stood a few feet away from Paul Newman. You insisted on María and I going to a Paul Anka concert in Suffern, NY, while you babysat Jeff and Shelley.

Then the simple things. Buying fresh peaches so María could bake my favorite pie: peaches and cream. You always ate two slices. Then we would drink Dr. Pepper.

You will always be the best person I have ever known. I never told you that I thought of you as a gentle giant. I am also proud to say that you were the special person who came into my big sister´s life and profoundly loved her. To me, even though you are no longer here, she is and will always be the luckiest woman in the world.

Por siempre en mi corazón,
Marty

My deepest sympathy to Richard´s family. I did not know him but I do know his brother John who is a neighbor. John has talked a lot about Richard and I feel like I knew him. My prayers and warm thoughts are with you all.

Shelley, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I know your family is your world and my heart aches for you. My deepest condolences to you, your mother, Jeff, Christine and the girls.