Stephen J. Waterman

Stephen J. Waterman, age 78, of Phoenixville, PA, formerly of Long Beach, CA and New Braunfels, Texas passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Born November 2, 1947 in Lafayette, IN to Hugh E. and Doris (Ruby McKinnon) Waterman, Stephen lived in San Antonio, TX before attending Headland High School outside of Atlanta. He later studied at New College in Sarasota, Florida, and enlisted in the Navy in 1967. He served honorably aboard the USS Seawolf as a Nuclear Weapons Assembly Technician and, during his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal and a commendation from his Commanding Officer for meritorious performance during a special operation, during which he incurred a back injury which pained him for life.

Following his military service, Stephen worked as a media professional, including at WHYY radio on the program "Fresh Air with Terry Gross." A free spirit who loved to travel, he explored the country by van and RV before settling for a time in California to be close to his father. While there, he worked with Veteran Affairs in Long Beach, CA.

Stephen was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and canoeing, often bringing along his guitar. He was artistically inclined, working as a semi-professional photographer and as a prolific writer who kept journals throughout his life. Above all, Stephen's greatest passion was pontificating on "the meaning of it all."

Stephen is survived by his three sons and their mothers: Sean and mother Peggy Hartzell; Elijah (Marilyn) and mother Melanie Mayerson; and Dave and Barbara Halpern. He is also survived by one step-daughter, Erin Mayerson, and by his granddaughter, Marlaina Waterman. He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings: Laurie Waterman and Dean Waterman.

A private memorial service will be held this spring, with details shared at a later time. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home in Phoenixville, PA. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com, and donations in his memory can be made to the Camphill School at https://camphillschool.org/donate/.