John Joseph Stevenson

John J. Stevenson joined his wife Patricia in eternal rest on November 18, 2014, at peace and with his children at his side. He led a full and exemplary life. He is fondly remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and loyal friend to so many.

He was predeceased by his beautiful wife of 53 years, Maureen Patricia Stevenson (nee Fierro). He is survived by children John P. Stevenson and wife Helen of Sinking Spring, PA, Kevin D. Stevenson and wife Suzanne of Mt. Penn, PA, Dr. James P. Stevenson and wife Patricia of Shaker Heights, OH, Mary Anne Lutz and husband Steve of Morrisville, NC. He was granddad to ten beloved grandchildren; Patrick, Andrew, Emily, Matthew, Eric, Benjamin, John, James, Olivia, and Meredith. He is also survived by a brother James, husband of Lois, of Louisville, KY. Nine nieces and nephews always looked forward to a visit with their Uncle John.

John was born December 17, 1935 in Elizabeth, NJ to James M. and Anna V. (O’Brien) Stevenson. They taught him the family values and work ethic that would define his adult life. He grew up in Pennside, PA and graduated from Central Catholic High School, where he starred on the basketball and track teams. He received his bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Notre Dame in 1957 as well as a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was a proud member of the Notre Dame Monogram Club, having earned this privilege as a three-year member of the varsity track team, for which his specialty was the pole vault. After graduation John spent many successful years with the American Telephone and Telegraph Co., but subsequently found his true happiness when he was able to return to Reading, PA in 1973 as a co-founder of Berkshire Travel Agency. This move allowed a return to his roots and through Berkshire Travel Pat and he were able to see the world together. Their favorite destination was their winter home in Longboat Key, FL, where they created countless lasting memories with family and friends.

“God, Family, and Notre Dame” were at John’s core, from which he drew his great humility, strength, and determination, still shining through even in his last few months of life. His wife Pat was his one great love, never more evident than in these words that he wrote to her shortly after their engagement in December, 1956: “My only desire is to prove to you dear, for the rest of my life, how very much I do love you and need you. Such a full realization can’t be reached on this earth, but I have satisfaction in the thought that I can continuously lay my love at your feet for an eternity.”

A memorial mass and remembrance of John’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church, 2810 St. Alban’s Drive, Whitfield, PA 19608. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to the Brennan-Boland-Riehle Fund/Stevenson and sent to the Notre Dame Monogram Club, 116 Joyce Center, Notre Dame, IN 46553.