Robert William Stephens

Born in Buffalo, New York, to Helene and Robert Stephen, Bill lived a life marked by energy, humor, intelligence, humility, and an unmistakable presence. He served his country as an Army Captain during the Vietnam War in 1966, carrying that sense of duty and strength throughout his life.

He was careful to say that he was not a hero, was not mad at anyone, and never fired a shot in anger. He was not drafted, though he would not describe his service as enjoyable or voluntary. He was surprised and grateful for his VA pension and the medical care he received through the VA Medical Center, which helped make his retirement comfortable — not to mention the free coffees, hot dogs, and car washes he rushed around to collect every Veterans Day.

Bill was a longtime attorney in Buffalo, known not only for his sharp legal mind, but also for his passion, conviction, and larger-than-life personality in and out of the courtroom. He was sometimes mistaken, but never in doubt, and one adversary described him as bringing “a polished irreverence” to the courtroom. As an environmental attorney, he sought principled resolutions to disputes that allowed everyone to claim a victory, knowing he would meet both allies and adversaries again and again throughout his career.

He loved learning and was a voracious reader, much like his mother. Over the last five years, he audited classes at the University at Buffalo that are offered free to those 60 and over. While classmates struggled to complete the assigned readings in an Asian history course, Bill read the entire textbook.

He loved golf, great conversation, storytelling, and making people laugh. He had a booming laugh, a gift for connecting with people, and a way of turning ordinary moments into unforgettable stories.

For nearly 40 years, he played golf in Fort Erie and Niagara Falls, Ontario — most often at Whirlpool Golf Course — with John Schaus, Peter Schaus, and Jim Dougherty at 6 a.m. every Sunday, so long as there was no snow on the ground. Over the last five years, he found a new golf group at Grover Cleveland Golf Course.

To his family and friends, Bill was the center of the room — enthusiastic, opinionated, warm, loyal, and endlessly entertaining.

Whether he was on the golf course, at the beach, around the dinner table, or holding court with friends, he made people feel included and alive.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his stories, laughter, songs, and spirit will live on in the many lives he touched.

Bill was the beloved husband of Nancy (née Connolly) Stephens; devoted father of R. Hugh (Susan), Brian (Liza), and Sarah Stephens; and proud grandfather of Bianca Bentz (Michael Shearer), Hannah, Billy, and Catherine Stephens. He was the favorite uncle of John (Jessica) and Christopher (Shannon) Kam, James (Patti) Stephen, Kathleen (Jeffrey) Hu, and Thomas Stephen. He was also a good friend of Joseph (Katie) Salisbury.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helene and Robert Stephens; his brother, James (Patricia) Stephen; and his sister-in-law, Mary Ellen (John) Kam.

Friends may call Friday, May 15, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home, 3070 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, New York 14217.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark Church, 401 Woodward Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14214. Please gather at the church.

Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made to ZERO/US TOO! of WNY, 3495 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14215, a local prostate cancer support group.