New York J 226: Mourning the death of Willis H. Stephens, distinguished citizen, proud veteran, and devoted New York State Assemblyman

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J00226 Summary:

BILL NOJ00226 

&nbsp

SAME ASNo Same As

&nbsp

SPONSORHARCKHAM

&nbsp

COSPNSR

&nbsp

MLTSPNSR

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&nbsp

Go to top J00226 Actions:

BILL NOJ00226 

&nbsp

01/15/2025REFERRED TO FINANCE

01/22/2025REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION

01/22/2025ADOPTED

Go to topJ00226 Committee&nbspVotes:

Go to topJ00226 Floor&nbspVotes:

There are no Assembly votes for this bill in this legislative session.

Go to topJ00226 Text:

Senate Resolution No. 226

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

 MOURNING the death of Willis H. Stephens,
 distinguished citizen, proud veteran, and devoted
 New York State Assemblyman

 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

 WHEREAS, Willis H. Stephens of Brewster, New York, died on October
17, 2024, at the age of 99; and

 WHEREAS, Willis H. Stephens distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

 WHEREAS, A graduate of Brewster Schools and of The Lawrenceville
School, a college preparatory school, Willis H. Stephens enrolled at
Princeton University as a member of the Class of 1947, but deferred the
start of his college education to enlist in the United States Army Air
Corps where he served as a flight instructor and, before discharge,
attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant; and

 WHEREAS, At the end of World War II, Willis H. Stephens returned to
Princeton and was conferred a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1950, majoring
in Economics; and

 WHEREAS, After college, Willis H. Stephens joined Maust Coal and
Coke Corporation, brokers of industrial fuels; in 1959, he formed The W.
H. Stephens Corporation and continued in the business of selling coal
and oil to major industries and utilities in the northeastern United
States for the next thirty years; and

 WHEREAS, On November 24, 1951, Willis H. Stephens married Daphne
Dunbar in Marblehead, Massachusetts, and later established their home in
Brewster, New York, where they raised their four beloved sons; and

 WHEREAS, In 1952, following in his father's footsteps, Willis H.
Stephens was elected to the New York State Assembly representing Putnam
County and parts of Dutchess and Westchester Counties; he served
honorably in the State Legislature for thirty years, retiring in 1982;
and

 WHEREAS, During his tenure, Willis H. Stephens served on numerous
legislative committees and, at the pinnacle of his career in politics,
was named Chairman of the powerful Assembly Ways & Means Committee and,
later, as Ranking Member of that committee; and

 WHEREAS, Known for his ability to work cooperatively with
legislators on "both sides of the aisle," Willis H. Stephens proved
himself to be a valuable member of the State Legislature, helping
navigate New York State through often trying fiscal and turbulent social
times; and

 WHEREAS, During his professional career, Willis H. Stephens served
as a member of numerous corporate boards, including National Bank of
North America and, after its merger with National Westminster Bank PLC,
a British banking conglomerate, NatWest USA, Greenwich Savings Bank,
Continental Copper and Steel Corporation, City Title Insurance Company,
and Putnam Hospital Center; he also served as a Trustee of
Trinity-Pawling School in Pawling, New York; and

 WHEREAS, During his lifetime, Willis H. Stephens was a member of
many business, civic, and philanthropic organizations, including the New
York Coal Trades Association, the Town of Southeast Industrial
Development Agency, and American Legion Post 71 in Brewster; he was a
charter member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge
2101, the Brewster Rotary Club, and the Putnam County Fish & Game Club,
among others; and

 WHEREAS, Willis H. Stephens was most proud of his membership on the
Olympic Organizing Committee for the 1980 Winter Olympic games at Lake
Placid, New York and his role in helping bring the Winter Olympics back
to Lake Placid; and

 WHEREAS, A lifelong outdoorsman, Willis H. Stephens enjoyed many
years of hunting and fishing in the Adirondack Mountains and in Canada;
he was an avid golfer and enjoyed play