John Harold Stevens

John Harold Stevens, known affectionately as Jack, age 94 of Atlantic Beach Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 3, 2024. Jack was born in Bridgeport Ct, March 5, 1930, to Harold G. and Irene Casson Stevens. 

 He grew up in Fairfield CT and graduated from Fairfield College Preparatory School in 1948. He entered Fairfield University in the fall of 1948 but interrupted his education to serve in the Navy aboard the USS Jason in Japan, from 1952 -1954. He returned to graduate Fairfield University in 1956 with a degree in Economics. 

 He married Mary Elizabeth Tormey on June 4, 1955, in St Thomas Church in Fairfield. They moved to Cincinnati, OH and Jack began working at Aetna Casualty. He joined Pfizer as a product representative while earning his law degree from Chase College. He was a member of both the Ohio and Connecticut Bar Associations.

 The Stevens moved to Westport CT in 1966 when Jack joined J. Walter Thompson as an account executive to Eli Lilly. He was promoted to Director of Healthcare, overseeing the medical marketing and education divisions of the company. In 1992, Jack set out on a new venture, founding Stevens, Blair and Co. doing medical marketing research. He continued that work for 20 years traveling to countless cities and over 35 countries. 

 Outside of work, Jack’s life was characterized by a lifelong love of the outdoors. He was an Eagle Scout and spent many hours camping in New England, and hiking Mount Fuji, Mount Ranier, and Mount Washington among others. He was also an avid boater and owned and renovated two wooden cabin cruisers and he and his family enjoyed fishing and boating on Long Island Sound and beyond. 

 Jack dedicated his life to tackling all kinds of challenges. Decades before the DIY movement he used the woodworking, electrical and plumbing skills he had learned in the Navy as a base and taught himself what he needed to renovate both his own houses and several rental properties. He passed these skills, and ‘can do’ attitude on to his family. 

 Always active civically, he was a council member in Terrace Park OH, in 1959 and two years later served as president of the council and vice mayor of the village. He was a lifetime blood donor, donating over 20 gallons of blood. And he was the president of the resident’s council at Fleet Landing at the time of his passing. 

 He is survived by his wife Marybeth Stevens of Atlantic Beach, Florida, daughter Elizabeth Hallie Stevens of Atlantic Beach, Florida, son Christopher Stevens, PhD (Agnes Kwong PhD) of Seattle, Washington and grandchildren Liam and Kai Kwong- Stevens of Seattle Washington. Additionally, several nieces and nephews.

 He was predeceased by his parents, brother James Casson Stevens Sr. and sister Judith Matricardi. 

 A private military internment was held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery on June 20th, 2024. A family celebration of life will be planned at a later date. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

 Notes of sympathy can be sent to Marybeth Stevens, 390 3rd Street, Atlantic Beach FL, 32233.