Gerald H. “Jerry” Stephens, 93, of Southfield passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023, after a two-year battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Jerry was born in Pittsfield on August 14, 1930, the son of Thomas H. and Barbara (Brown) Stephens. He was a graduate of Dalton High School, class of 1948, and received an associate degree at UMass Amherst Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in the post-war occupation in Germany, where he was a specialist third-class armorer.
Jerry traveled throughout this country with the exception of Hawaii and Louisiana. He and his wife Yvonne visited Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and France. Jerry retired at 80 years old, with decades spent as a caretaker for Peter and Beatrice (Straight) Cookson and as a heavy equipment operator/truck driver for Tallon Lumber Company.
As an adolescent, he participated in the Boy Scouts and the Masonic youth organization, DeMolay. He was a member of the Cincinnatus Lodge, New Marlborough Fire Department as Chief Engineer, Harold D. Rood American Legion Post 350, and a former New Marlborough Selectman (1976–1978). Some of his favorite moments were spent snowmobiling, golfing, and playing setback with friends; cheering for his grandsons at baseball games; and helping them with school or scout projects. He was a source of guidance to many, with his vast knowledge of building construction and (pre-computerized) automotive repair—as he would say, a jack of all trades, master of none. Jerry is survived by his wife of 63 years and devoted caregiver, Yvonne (Fehn) Stephens; his daughter Tiffany Stephens; his two grandchildren, Hunter Lucey (Mikayla) and Cody Lucey (Talore); and twin great-grandchildren, Eleanora and Emmeline Lucey; along with several nieces and nephews. Jerry was predeceased by his son Mark Stephens in 1971; his brother Dean Stephens; his twin sister Betty Pafenbach and her husband William; and his sister Judith Klaubert and her husband Jack.
Family of Gerald H. “Jerry” Stephens will receive friends on Saturday, November 18, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Birches-Roy Funeral Home, 33 South St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Burial will be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory can be made to the Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association, Community Health Program, Harold D. Rood American Legion Post 350, New Marlborough Fire and Rescue, or Phelps (Hillcrest) Cancer Center in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be made through the funeral home’s website.
