Anthony Stephens

"He sits at his drafting table, an empty sheet of paper stretches out before him, beckoning him, taunting him; the pure white a vast, arid landscape where he will express his vision, regardless of whether the paying client will like it.

It’s still his vision.

The problem is that he’s drawing a blank.

He taps his charcoal stick absently as he glances out the window on a sunny Saturday morning, his mind remembers the joy he and his wife celebrated the day they moved into their new, split-level house with their three young kids.

The place was perfect with a rolling yard and an amazing multi-leveled hill right behind the house. He sees himself scooching on a sled down that hill with his kids; the tier right in the middle serving as a launch to get the sled airborne. Not too fast so as to scare the kids, but fun with a capital F.

He smiles, looking forward to that scene playing out in the not-too-distant future. He admonishes himself for being frivolous, but that scene playing out in his mind is something that he’s dreamed about since he took his beautiful wife’s hand in marriage.

The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee compels him; reminds him to snag a cup of that deliciousness, and so he kicks himself away to wander over to the coffee station, just in time for the brew to finish.

He absently fills his mug, the memory of laughter with his amazing wife from the night before echoing in his mind. He sees her face, and not for the first time he’s still amazed that such a remarkable person chose to spend her life with him. He offers up a prayer of thanks.

Having to work overtime on a Saturday when he could and should be home with his family was painful, but it was so very much needed, and so he sets his narrow shoulders and makes his way back to his drafting table, sipping carefully.

Time to make magic, and in so doing, make a better life for his family.

Tony Stephens picks up his stick of charcoal and does precisely that. He makes magic, bringing his vision to life on that vast sheet of paper.

And he takes care of his family with his selfless work, quiet confidence, determined love and dedication that will not be shaken; not now and not ever."

Anthony was the loving husband to the late Betty Stephens who passed away on September 14, 2021` sharing their 65 years together, they raised three children Lawrence (Maryclare) Stephens, Daniel (Michele) Stephens and Karen (Randell) Vaughn.

His legacy will live through his cherished grandchildren; Stephanie Sheldon, Amanda Andrews, Nicole Wagner, Andrea (Michael) Reams, Andrew Swarmer, Eric (Marcie) Stephens, Megan Stephens and her great grandchildren; Andrew, Elena, Garrett, Olivia, Audrey, Ember, Eidon, Amelia and Cole.

Friends are invited to H. P. Brandt Funeral Home 1032 Perry Hwy Pittsburgh PA 15237 (412-364-4444)

on Tuesday November 9, 2021 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm. A funeral service will take place on November 10, 2021 at 11:00am at the Brighton Heights Lutheran Church 3830 California Ave Pittsburgh PA 15212. A luncheon will follow immediately after the service.