Thomas Jerome Stevens

Tom is survived by his three children and their spouses: Christopher D. Stevens & Carolyn Stevens (Wayne, NJ), Kelly A. Stevens & Jennifer D. Johnson (Fuquay-Varina, NC) and Brian G. Stevens & Marion Stevens (Puyallup, WA). In addition, he is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Megan Stevens, Katie Stevens, Connor Stevens, Emily Stevens, Logan Stevens, Riley Johnson-Stevens and Ryan Johnson-Stevens. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary D. Stevens.

Tom was born on June 15, 1940 in Brooklyn, New York to George and Helene Stevens. He graduated from Erasmus Hall High School, then served in the United States Navy with an honorable discharge. He later graduated from the College of Insurance. He met his soulmate and the love of his life, Mary Denver at the counter of the corner soda shop and married her in September of 1963. They remained in New York where Tom began working for The Home Insurance Company, retiring after 30 years of service as Vice President of Boiler and Machinery Operations. He went on to work another 5 years at Reliance National before retiring in 2000. Mr. Stevens was accomplished and well respected in his field. Over the years, the couple welcomed three children into their home and Tom and Mary set about raising them in loving home. His children remember him as an engaged father who encouraged them to pursue their goals and dreams.

Tom was a devoted husband and father. He was generous with his time, volunteering many hours to his children’s activities and pursuits including: All American Football volunteer, swim team volunteer, and Boy Scout leader. He never missed his children’s sporting and school events, recitals and plays. He was always willing to provide a ride or a hand in anything his family was involved in or passionate about. He was a loving husband who strongly supported all his wife’s interests and pursuits including her volunteer activities, and her return and completion of nursing school. Tom was also very proud of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments.

He had many passions and pursuits over the years including hunting, guns and weapon enthusiast, jogging, genealogy, photography, going to the beach, and reading. He was an avid collector of pens, watches and hats. As long as Tom had a book in his hand he would go anywhere including long shopping trips with his wife and long practices for his children’s activities. He was a generous and witty individual who didn’t know a stranger. He loved to tell a story and was good with a tall tale. He loved to learn and enjoyed educational books and tv programming. He will be missed by all.

A funeral is scheduled for 4:00 pm December 19th at Apex Funeral Home, with a reception to follow the service. Steven Davis will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Tom’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Heart Association and/or the American Cancer Society. Condolences can be sent to www.apexfuneral.net.

The family would like to thank Pruitt Health Rehabilitation, WakeMed Health & Hospital, Cambridge Village Staff and Kindred Home Health for their efforts, care and dedication.