Thomas J. Stephens

Thomas J. Stephens, 83, of Tomkins Cove, NY, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026.

Born on September 30, 1942, in Manhattan, New York, Thomas was the son of Thomas and Cecilia Stephens and one of five children. He was raised in Manhattan alongside his siblings June, Gail, Ray, and Donald.

On October 17, 1964, Thomas married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Grimes, in Manhattan. In 1972, they settled in Tomkins Cove, New York, where they built a loving home and raised their three children. Their marriage spanned 44 years until Margaret’s passing in 2007.

Thomas graduated from St. Francis College in Brooklyn with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. In 1969, he proudly joined the FDNY as a firefighter at Engine 84 in Manhattan. Over a distinguished 31-year career, he rose through the ranks—from Lieutenant at Ladder 17 in the Bronx to Captain at Engine 80 in Manhattan—and ultimately retired in 2000 as Battalion Chief of the 14th Battalion, serving in quarters with Engine 60/Ladder 17 in the South Bronx.

Thomas was an avid fisherman who loved spending time by the water and at the beach. He was a devoted volunteer, delivering Meals on Wheels to the elderly for decades. Above all, he cherished his family and was a lifelong, passionate fan of the New York Rangers.

He is survived by his children: Thomas and Denise Stephens of Spring Lake, NJ; Jared and Susan Stalter of Fort Montgomery, NY; and Richard and Annmarie Stephens of Wall, NJ. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Thomas and Lauren Stephens of Manhattan, NY; Richard Stephens of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; Danielle Stephens of Manhattan, NY; and Kailee Stephens of Jersey City, NJ.

Thomas is survived by his sister, June Stephens of Newtown, PA, and his brother, Donald Stephens of Florida. He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Stephens; his sister, Gail McGarry; and his brother, Ray Stephens.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at T.J. McGowan & Sons Funeral Home, 71 North Central Highway, Garnerville, NY.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 26 John Street, Stony Point, NY.

Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery, 1055 Oregon Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY.

A luncheon/coalition will follow at 1:30 PM at the Patriot Lounge, 19 Club House Lane, Stony Point, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may kindly be made to the FDNY Family Transport Unit in Thomas’s memory: https://www.firefamilytransport.org/donate.html