Broadway Composer, Song Writer Dies at 82

The following obituary was submitted to Patch by Vander Plaat Funeral Home in Wyckoff.

STEVENSON, James “Stevie” Phelps age 82 of Franklin Lakes died peacefully at home with his wife, daughter and son on Sunday, October 27, 2013. Steve was born in New York City on November 18, 1930. He lived in Radburn and graduated Fair Lawn High School, lettering in Baseball, Football and Basketball.

He attended Manumit Free School in Pawling, NY. The Manumit experience profoundly [a]ffected his way of life. Steve graduated from Vanderbilt University. He was a prolific writer; plays, speech writer for Governor Wagner, poetry, children stories, songs, books as well as a philosophical letter writer. 

Steve had an extensive Broadway career. He worked with Al Pacino, George C. Scott, Tony Randall, Woody Allen and Carol Burnett. Notable shows include; Zigfield Follies (Directed by his father, Jack Kennedy), Don’t Drink the Water, Seascape, Waiting For Lefty and Long Days Journey Into Night. He performed at the St. Louis Municipal Opera, the Cherry Lane Playhouse and The Old Globe Theatre. 

He and his children had great adventures traveling, mountain climbing, cycling, always testing the limits of human potential. He welcomed anyone who cared to join. He was an inspiring soccer coach, educator, and a pied piper to all children.

Surviving, is his loving wife of 15 years, Thelma Kennedy Stevenson of which those years have been a true gift; his devoted children Alicia and Paul and his adoring grandchildren Liam, Emerson, Thomas, Brett, Jack, Laurel, Kailey, Justin and Elaine; his sisters, Joan Sanford and Susan Gomez.
A memorial service was held at Vander Plaat earlier this week. In lieu flowers, memorial contributions in Stevie’s name may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 or his daughter Alicia’s non-profit, working with at risk youth and rescued dogs (www.projectunleashed.org).