Paul Frederick Stephens

Paul F. Stephens, age 60, of Lewiston, NY, passed away on September 21, 2025.

Paul was the beloved son of Ann Kolm, his stepfather, Harvard Kolm, and the late Frederick Stephens. He grew up with a spirit of adventure and curiosity that never left him!

Growing up on the Niagara River, Paul became an avid sailor, was a Licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain, and had a fun first job with RCR Yachts, driving the launch service for the boats on the Lower Niagara during the summer months.

In the outdoors, Paul developed an interest in photography, capturing countless beautiful sunsets over the water, which he framed and gifted. Paul grew up skiing at Holimont and was known for his high-speed descents straight down the hill! Paul was a competitive long-distance runner participating in dozens of community races, several Turkey Trots, and he ran the Buffalo Marathon in 2005. Paul had a passion for disc golf and became a pioneer in its development, working with the New York State Department of Parks, designing Disc Golf courses throughout the Region. In 2021, he was inducted into the New York State Disc Golf Hall of Fame because of his many contributions.

Friends and family will remember Paul as approachable, thoughtful, and easygoing, someone who brought happiness, humor, and kindness into the lives of those around him. He was social and enjoyed music, a pint of Guinness, attending concerts, and Bills Games. He had close and devoted friends, including Leslie & Paul Lymburner and Jane Kwiatkowski.

Paul graduated from SUNY Buffalo with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He began his career as a reporter for the Niagara Falls Gazette, as well as working on many freelance articles. For close to 15 years, he worked in the pharmaceutical industry with ANDA, where he enjoyed a rewarding career.

Known for his dedication and warmth, Paul built lasting relationships with clients across the country. The family would like to thank Paul's colleagues at ANDA for their support, kindness, and compassion.

He is survived by his mother, Ann Kolm, and stepfather, Harvard Kolm his brothers, David Stephens (Deirdre) and Gordon Stephens (Cathy) his sisters, Linda Pardee (Brian), Susan Stephens (Fernando Perez), and Barbara Stephens and his stepsisters, Christina Kolm (Greg Hack) and Suzanne Kolm. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Visitation will be on Friday, October 3, at Rhoney Funeral Home from 3PM-7PM, 901 Cayuga St, Lewiston, NY.

Church service will be held in honor of Paul at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 4 at St. John's Episcopal Church at 110 Chestnut Street in Youngstown, NY.

Paul volunteered with the Salvation Army's Christmas Red Kettle Campaign as a bell ringer, so in lieu of flowers, the family suggests that the next time you pass one of those bell ringers, you might consider donating or that you honor Paul's memory by embracing the kindness, adventure, and curiosity he represented.