John Todd Stevens

John Todd Stevens, 83, of Port Matilda (Stormstown), Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on February 15, 2026 after a long journey through cancer with his beloved wife Linda by his side. John embodied the adage of a life well lived and maintained his innate kind and gentle demeanor through the end, expressing gratitude for the love of family and friends and his compassionate caregivers.

Born to the late Leland C. Stevens and Virginia H. Stevens in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, John spent his early years in the Philadelphia area. He attended Penncrest High school in Media (class of 1960), and graduated from the Pennsylvania Military College, now Widener University, in 1964 (B.S. Economics). As a young man, John worked in sales for Zerox and the American Can Company before relocating to central Pennsylvania to pursue creative endeavors as a silversmith at Reinhold Silversmiths in Mill Hall. He later worked in Occupational Safety at Ruetgers Nease in State College, Pennsylvania, and before retiring enjoyed working with children as an elementary math assistant in the Philipsburg-Osceola School District.

John dedicated 25 years to his local community as a member of the Halfmoon Township Planning Commission in Stormstown. And as a long-time volunteer for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Penn State where he held the roles of Treasurer, Vice-President, and Executive Council Member. Many have fond memories of John as one of the OLLI instructors for the popular "Guys Gourmet" course, and count themselves lucky to have attended those coveted classes.

Friendships came easily to John and encompassed all aspects of his life. He enjoyed keeping in touch with friends across the country and visiting whenever he had an opportunity. As an avid nature lover and dedicated birdwatcher (with a life list of birds seen), John and his wife Linda nurtured these passions through travel and felt very fortunate to have explored all 50 states, 30 national parks, and many foreign countries together. And John was never one to shy away from a spontaneous adventure, whether to go birding, hiking, kayaking or to seek out a new brew pub. But most of all, he treasured spending time at home with Linda, gardening, observing wildlife in the backyard, gazing at the moon and stars together, and enjoying time with friends and family.

John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda K. (Pezalski) Stevens, two sons, Bret Stevens (wife Maxine) of Pennsylvania Furnace, Pennsylvania, and Matt Stevens (wife Stacey) of Glen Gardener, New Jersey, and seven grandchildren, Nico and Nicole Stevens, Maximus and Callie Stevens, Carson and Brady Boyer, and William Brooker, and a brother Mark Stevens (wife Patty) of Kettle Falls, Washington, brother-in-law Raymond Pezalski (wife Cindy) of Boalsburg, nieces Carrie Lamb of Philipsburg and Caitlin Dare (husband Eric) of Port Matilda and nephew Tyler Pezalski (wife Jocelyn) of Boalsburg, and many great nieces and nephews. While John will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, each of our lives were made richer by his and he will remain in our hearts forever.

John was preceded in death by his parents, the mother of his children, Perri Piersol, and a brother, Thomas H. Stevens of Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Mark Rozick and Dr. Sheldon Henry for the care and attention they gave to John over the years.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to the Moshannon Valley Branch of YMCA of Centre County at https://www.ymcaofcentrecounty.org/locations/moshannon-valley-branch, Centre Foundation at https://centrefoundation.org, or an organization of your choice.