Senate Resolution No. 226
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Willis H. Stephens,
distinguished citizen, proud veteran, and devoted
New York State Assemblyman
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Willis H. Stephens of Brewster, New York, died on October
17, 2024, at the age of 99; and
WHEREAS, Willis H. Stephens distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Brewster Schools and of The Lawrenceville
School, a college preparatory school, Willis H. Stephens 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; and
WHEREAS, At the end of World War II, Willis H. Stephens returned to
Princeton and was conferred a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1950, majoring
in Economics; and
WHEREAS, After college, Willis H. 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; and
WHEREAS, On November 24, 1951, Willis H. Stephens married Daphne
Dunbar in Marblehead, Massachusetts, and later established their home in
Brewster, New York, where they raised their four beloved sons; and
WHEREAS, In 1952, following in his father's footsteps, Willis H.
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;
and
WHEREAS, During his tenure, Willis H. Stephens 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; and
WHEREAS, Known for his ability to work cooperatively with
legislators on "both sides of the aisle," Willis H. Stephens proved
himself to be a valuable member of the State Legislature, helping
navigate New York State through often trying fiscal and turbulent social
times; and
WHEREAS, During his professional career, Willis H. 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, New York; and
WHEREAS, During his lifetime, Willis H. 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, and 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 the Putnam County Fish & Game Club,
among others; and
WHEREAS, Willis H. Stephens was most proud of his membership on the
Olympic Organizing Committee for the 1980 Winter Olympic games at Lake
Placid, New York and his role in helping bring the Winter Olympics back
to Lake Placid; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong outdoorsman, Willis H. Stephens enjoyed many
years of hunting and fishing in the Adirondack Mountains and in Canada;
he was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing the sport with family,
friends, and business associates throughout his lifetime; and
WHEREAS, Willis H. Stephens' commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Willis H. Stephens is survived by his sons, Daniel
(Sharon), Willis Jr. (Virginia), Gardner, and Jonathan (Kristin); six
grandchildren, Daniel M. Stephens III (Elspeth), Andrew (partner Matt),
Kelly (Trevor), Willis III (Samantha), James "Mac," and John "Jack";
seven great grandchildren; brother, Mallory (Dolores); nieces, Grace,
and Diana; and a nephew, Mallory (Claudia); he was predeceased by his
dear sister Alice Schneckenburger and his loving wife Daphne; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Willis H. Stephens leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourning the death of Willis H. Stephens, distinguished citizen,
veteran, and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Willis H. Stephens.
