Willis H. Stephens, a lifelong resident of Brewster, NY, passed away comfortably on October 17, 2024, at Putnam Hospital Center. He was 99 years of age. Born on June 7, 1925, in Danbury, CT, he was one of three children born to D. Mallory and Grace (Hine) Stephens. He attended Brewster Schools and graduated from The Lawrenceville School, a college preparatory school in Lawrenceville, NJ, in 1943. He enrolled at Princeton University as a member of the Class of 1947 but deferred the start of his college education to enlist in the United States Army Air Corps where he served as a flight instructor and, before discharge, attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. At the end of World War II, he returned to Princeton and was conferred a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1950, majoring in Economics.
After college, Willis Stephens joined Maust Coal and Coke Corporation, brokers of industrial fuels. In 1959 he formed The W. H. Stephens Corporation and continued in the business of selling coal and oil to major industries and utilities in the northeastern United States for the next thirty years.
On November 24, 1951, Willis Stephens married Daphne Dunbar in Marblehead, MA, and they established their home in Brewster, NY, where they raised four sons, Daniel M. Stephens, II, Willis H. Stephens, Jr., Gardner M. Stephens and Jonathan H. Stephens.
In 1952, following in his father’s footsteps, Willis Stephens was elected to the New York State Assembly representing Putnam County, and parts of Dutchess and Westchester Counties. He served honorably in the State Legislature for thirty years, retiring in 1982. During his tenure, he served on numerous legislative committees and, at the pinnacle of his career in politics, was named Chairman of the powerful Assembly Ways & Means Committee and, later, as Ranking Member of that committee. Known for his ability to work cooperatively with legislators on “both sides of the aisle” he proved himself to be a valuable member of the State Legislature helping navigate New York State through often trying fiscal and turbulent social times. He served for many years as an elected member of the New York Republican State Committee.
During his professional career Mr. Stephens served as a member of numerous corporate boards including National Bank of North America and, after its merger with National Westminster Bank PLC, a British banking conglomerate, NatWest USA, Greenwich Savings Bank, Continental Copper and Steel Corporation, City Title Insurance Company, and Putnam Hospital Center. He also served as a Trustee of Trinity-Pawling School in Pawling, NY.
During his lifetime Mr. Stephens was a member of many business, civic and philanthropic organizations including the New York Coal Trades Association, the Town of Southeast Industrial Development Agency, American Legion Post 71 in Brewster, he was a charter member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 2101, the Brewster Rotary Club and Putnam County Fish & Game Club, to name a few. He was most proud of his membership on the Olympic Organizing Committee for the 1980 Winter Olympic games at Lake Placid and his role in helping bring the Winter Olympics back to Lake Placid, NY. The Stephens family maintained their “home away from home” in Lake Placid where they enjoyed the company of friends and extended family for decades.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Willis enjoyed many years of hunting and fishing in the Adirondack Mountains and Canada. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing golf with family, friends and business associates throughout his lifetime.
Willis Stephens is survived by his sons Daniel (Sharon) of Brewster, NY, Willis Jr. (Virginia) of Brewster, NY, Gardner of Lake Placid, NY, and Jonathan (Kristin) of Sherman, CT, six grandchildren, Daniel M. Stephens III (Elspeth) of Hurricane, WV, Andrew (partner Matt) of Queens, NY, Kelly (Trevor) Pieri of New Canaan, CT, Willis III (Samantha) of New Canaan, CT, James “Mac” of NY, NY and John “Jack” of Sherman, CT, and seven great grandchildren; his brother Mallory (Dolores) of Wolfeboro, NH; nieces Grace Parker of Richmond, VA, and Diana Stephens of Windham, NH and a nephew, Mallory (Claudia) of Wells, ME. He was predeceased by his dear sister Alice Schneckenburger. His loving wife Daphne predeceased him in 2006.
