George Stevens

It is with great sadness that the family of George Stevens announces his passing on Monday, (February 5, 2007) at Hartford Hospital with his loving family by his side after a brave battle with leukemia. George guided us with his grace during a devastating illness that ultimately took him from the things he loved the most; family, friends, music, and teaching. We were amazed by George's courage and strength but we were most amazed by his ability to continue to have hope through this difficult journey. George was born on January 31, 1962 and had just celebrated his 45th birthday with family and friends. George was the loving son of Joan Caffrey Stevens and the late John F. Stevens. He was the adoring husband of Jill Andrew Stevens for 15 years, and devoted father to George Henry and Mackenzie Hope, all the loves of his life. George will be greatly missed by the Newington School community where he was a music teacher and orchestra director. George understood that it was a privilege to teach and his style and sense of humor endeared him to so many students, parents and staff who he loved so dearly. George would frequently start his classes with the expression ""You are my inspiration"", words we can all live by now when we think of this great man. George completed his bachelor's degree in teaching from Central Connecticut State University and was completing a master's degree at Boston University. The family is so thankful that George had the opportunity to play for his fans at the recent ""Jammin' for George"" benefit held in January at Newington High School. It was a magical night filled with much generosity by a ""community"" that loved George and made it possible for him to leave this earth knowing that he was so loved and had touched so many lives. George also leaves his brother Peter and his wife Carol; Aunts and Uncles; Lois Caffrey, Carroll and Jean Caffrey, George and Josephine Caffrey, Robert and Marylou Caffrey, Edward and Doris Stevens, Donald and Barbara Stevens, Richard and Pat Stevens, Eugene Stevens, Betsy and Ray Kensel and Janet and Dale Gallagher and many cousins; his father and mother-in-law, Ross and Lorraine Andrew of Middletown; sister-in-law Bonnie Gaudio and her husband Michael; brother-in-law Ross J. Andrew and his wife Lynda; brother-in-law Dana Andrew and his wife Mary; and sister-in-law Beth Andrew-Berry and her husband Brian. George will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews; Michael, Matthew, Nathan, Evan and Emma Gaudio; Bailey, Owen and Whitney Andrew; and Wil Berry. George will also be missed by many long time friends; hockey players and musicians that he played with throughout the years. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Hartford Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Center; the Newington and Wethersfield Community; the Central Connecticut Hockey Association and all those who so generously supported them through these past eight months. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 9, 2007 at 10 a.m. at the Third Congregational Church, 94 Miner Street, Middletown. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date for the Newington school community. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the George Stevens Family Benefit Fund, c/o Bank of America, 600 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT 06109. For on-line expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.