Ronald V. STEPHENS

STEPHENS, Ronald V. On May 2, 2010, our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and loyal friend, Ronald Vincent Stephens, passed away peacefully at his home in Arizona surrounded by his loving family. He died after a very short battle with cancer. For all who knew him, Ron was tenacious, kind and fiercely loyal to those close to him. Forever welcoming friends and strangers alike into his home, he lived for helping others. An incredible cook, he took great pleasure in watching his loved ones enjoy his delicious recipes, from his homemade pasta sauce and eggplant parmigiana to anything he could fit in a fryalator. Ron found great success in his life through his passion and tireless work ethic, serving over 40 years in the State University System. Happiest with his family, enjoying weeks at the beach or days at his lake houses, Ron found tremendous peace near the water without ever learning how to swim. He embraced his patriarchal role in his family, taking great happiness and pride in their success. Card games, cooking, his TV "programs," boating and his dogs were all things Ronnie loved. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Doris (Wood) Stephens. He is also survived by his four daughters and their husbands; Debra Langanke (David), Denise Egan (Thomas), Diana Sadlon (Andrew), and Nancy Millerd (Robert). He held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren; Christopher (Rebecca), Stephen, Paul, Daniel, Laura, Brian, Ronnie, Julie, Lauren, Joey, Andrew, and JD. Ron leaves behind two siblings; his sisters Margaret Procaccini and Rosemarie Valentino. Friends and family are invited to attend a mass planned for Saturday (May 8, 2010), at 12 p.m. at St. Columba Church, Columbia, CT. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Covenant Soup Kitchen, 220 Valley St., Willimantic, CT, 06226 or to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ, 85014.