ALBANY – Harold D. “Hal” Stephens, 96, of Albany, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 24, 2018, at the Teresian House. Born in Springfield, MA, he was the son of the late Harold D. Stephens, Sr. and Mary Gilkerson Stephens. He was a lifelong resident of Albany, and a graduate of the former Vincentian Institute. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the South Pacific Theatre. After the war he graduated from Siena College, and he worked as a sales agent for Allstate Insurance, retiring in 1988 after 34 years.
Hal was devoted to his faith and his family. He also loved music, and was a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, the Electric City Chorus of Schenectady, the Uncle Sam Chorus of Troy, and the Joyous Sound Barbershop Gospel group of Clifton Park. He was also the leader and the guitar player of the Capital District Harmonica Club. He was a communicant of Christ the King Church in Westmere, a member of their Knights of Columbus organization and the Funeral Choir. Hal enjoyed summer vacations at the family camp on Lake George at Ticonderoga.
Hal was predeceased by his beloved wife Marjorie VanDecar Stephens. He is survived by his two daughters, Eileen(Jeff)Bray of Guilderland, Nancy(Bruce)Levis of Westmere; his two sons, Peter C. Stephens of Jacksonville, FL and Paul M. Stephens of Denver, CO; his grandchildren Brian (Elizabeth) and Kevin Bray, Jessica, Sarah, Mary, Emily, and John Stephens, Sean (Dylan) Stephens, and Michael and Kristen Levis; his great grandchildren Quinn and Emerson Bray; and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters and their husbands Margaret (Robert) Phinney, and Miriam (Thomas) Aery.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. in Christ the King Church, Sumpter Ave., Guilderland. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Knights Chapel in the church Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. Entombment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Community Caregivers, 2021 Western Ave Ste 104, Albany, NY 12203; or to Christ the King Church, 20 Sumpter Ave, Albany, NY 12203. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Rosemary Centi
December 26, 2018 at 7:34 pmDear Eileen and Nancy,
Dan and I wish to express our sincerest condolences on the loss of your father.
God Bless.
Dan and Rosemary Centi
Jim and Marcia Kelly
December 27, 2018 at 6:23 amDear Eileen, Nancy, Peter, Paul, and families,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Harold. He was a friend of the Kelly family, going back many years, as he was of so many people and families. He will be missed.
We’re out of town this week but Marcia and I send our warmest greetings and condolences to you.
Pat Slavick
December 27, 2018 at 9:03 amNancy and family: Sincere condolences for the loss of your father.
Fran Arthur
December 27, 2018 at 9:11 amEileen,Nancy, Peter and Paul,
So very sorry to hear about Steve. He certainly had a long and full life! I remember the first time I met him. Your Mom brought him up to meet Grampa. He was sitting on the front porch and that is where we all chatted. I remember their wedding. Was lots of fun and Uncle Jim was at his best!! So sorry I won’t be able to come as Pat is not doing well at all and I can’t leave him. Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Frannie
J. Fox
December 27, 2018 at 9:49 amPete and family,
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Judi and Pat Fox
Lisa (Fantasia) Bataille
December 27, 2018 at 12:04 pmNancy, Paul and Family: My deepest condolences on your loss. It looks like your father lived a very full and active life. May your happy memories with him give you some comfort. Thinking of you all, and wishing you peace.
David Jenkins
December 27, 2018 at 3:24 pmDear Nancy,
Our condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. May peace and serenity be with you in these sorrowful times.
With much love,
Dave and Sarah Jenkins
Ray Fox.
December 27, 2018 at 6:29 pmMy deepest condolences to the Stephens family at your time of loss.
Eileen and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Amy Healy
December 28, 2018 at 12:13 pmDear Nancy, Paul, Peter, and Eileen,
My condolences on the passing of your dad. Another of the “Turnpikers” has been called to rest. May you hold on to memories of happy times.
Fondly,
Amy Healy
Jan Ward
December 28, 2018 at 6:42 pmPeter, Eileen, Paul and Nancy,
Wishing you and yours peace and love during this difficult time. I have fond memories of your Dad sneaking around when we were partying in your basement on Toll Lane! He was such a wonderful example of family and faith. No doubt he’s finally at peace.
Richard MORAN Sr
December 30, 2018 at 7:29 amEileen, Donna and I want to pass on our condolences to you and your family. Dick and Donna Moran
Cindy and Jim Christiansen
January 14, 2019 at 9:07 amWe are so sorry to hear of the passing of Hal. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.