Stephen Vessey

FT. COLLINS, CO -- Stephen Hulbert Vessey, Ph.D., passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 86.

Stephen was born on March 7, 1939, to Elizabeth Griffith Vessey and Clifford Vessey. He attended Swarthmore College, where he met the love of his life and soulmate, Kristin Yahn Bergstrom. They were married on March 18, 1962. Kristin preceded him in death, and their enduring partnership remained a defining influence throughout his life.

Stephen went on to earn his master's degree and Ph.D. in Animal Behavior and Ethology from Pennsylvania State University. His distinguished academic and scientific career included service as a commissioned officer with the National Institutes of Health in La Parguera, Puerto Rico, he was at Bowling Green State University for over 31 years, from August 1969 until his retirement in December 2000, serving as a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences before becoming Professor Emeritus, he was involved in research in Enewetak, Guyana and Cuba, he was a research associate with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and also worked multiple stints with the National Science Foundation.

A passionate educator and mentor, Stephen served as a major advisor to 42 graduate students and 12 doctoral candidates. He co-authored numerous textbooks and scholarly works and was elected a Fellow of both the Ohio Academy of Science and the Animal Behavior Society. Among his many adventures, he co-led a biological expedition through the Amazon Basin funded by the Department of Biological Sciences and the Office for Continuing Education and taught pest control in Africa. Even at the age of 80, his sense of adventure endured, as he navigated the rapids of the Grand Canyon on a week-long rafting expedition.

Stephen approached every endeavor with curiosity, enthusiasm, and purpose. He was a devoted environmentalist, a steadfast advocate for women's rights, and a lifelong learner who inspired those around him through both his intellect and his example.

He is survived by his brother, Phil, and sister-in-law Toni Vessey; his son, Nathan, and daughter-in-law Stephanie Vessey; his granddaughter, Renee, and her husband Taylor VanWinkle, along with his great-grandchildren, Oliver and Kade VanWinkle; and his daughter, Samantha Vessey, and son-in-law Michael Hessel, and his grandchildren Adeline and Aiden Hessel.

Stephen was instrumental in shaping countless lives. His love for teaching, travel, and activism was matched only by his deep devotion to his family. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial for both Stephen and Kristin Vessey has been planned on June 13, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Beckett's Burger Bar located at 163 S Main St, Bowling Green, OH 43402.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation, 1291 Conneaut Ave, Bowling Green, OH 43402.