John W. (Jack) Stephenson, 89, of Deansboro, passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer on Monday, November 22, 2010, at his home. At the time of his passing, his loving family was by his side. He was born November 2, 1921, in Frankfort Center, the son of the late Raymond and Mary Huertson Stephenson and was educated in Frankfort Center and Utica schools. He was a US Marine Corp veteran of WW II. On July 16, 1955, in St. Johnsville, he married Betty L. VanDeusen a loving and devoted union of 54 years. For 37 years, Mr. Stephenson was employed with the NYSDOT, Division of Canals, retiring in 1986. In 1989, the Stephenson's moved to Deansboro, after raising their family in Utica. Mrs. Stephenson passed away December 20, 2009. He was a member of the Clifford J. Fulmer American Legion Post #92. The phrase "they don't make them like they used to", sums up Jack's life. Jack was of the "Old Breed". Jack fought for his country as a Marine during WW II in the Pacific Theatre as part of the legendary First Marine Division at Guadalcanal. He received the Purple Heart and Presidential Citation. Jack was principled, honest, strong-willed, humble and selfless. Jack would give the shirt off his back and always placed other's needs before his own. Friends, family and loved ones universally liked, respected, admired, loved and even idolized Jack. He was truly a role model. Jack was an avid reader producing a brilliant mind that endlessly amazed family by educating them on virtually every topic. Jack was a naturalist, who was in his element when seen with his walking stick taking family on walks around his beloved Deansboro property, "The Ranch", identifying vegetables in his thriving garden, and planting trees. Jack loved baking, and his apple pies were world famous. Jack was an avid outdoorsman whose life revolved around his family. Family could always be found at Jack and Betty's home. Jack's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will miss him immensely. He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Jacqueline (Jackie) and David Zangrilli of Whitesboro, Deborah and Robert Prody of Clinton, and Mary and John Fallon, Jr. of Waterville; two sons and a daughter-in-law, John Stephenson, Jr., and Walter and Jane Stephenson, all of Deansboro; two sisters, Mary Powers of Cold Brook and Edna Hopkins of MA; nine grandchildren, David, Jr. and Dianna Zangrilli of VA, Kelly and Anthony Vitullo of New Hartford, Kayla Prody and Robert Prody, Jr., both of Clinton, Jenna Fallon and Rylee Fallon, both of Waterville, Alec Savage and Liska Savage, both of Deansboro, and Lucinda Savage of CA; three great-grandchildren, Talia and Olivia Vitullo, and John (Jack) Zangrilli; his in-laws, Walter Hughes of Waterville and Nopel Stephenson of CA; many nieces and nephews; and special family friends, Donald (D.O.) Olivadoti and Al Dellers. He was predeceased by two sisters, Barbara Hughes and Minnie Inman; two brothers, Walter and Thomas Stephenson; a granddaughter, Jamie Prody; a niece, Linda English; a nephew, Doug Hughes; and his in-laws, Ann Stephenson, Dorothy Stephenson, Charles Inman, Eldon Hopkins and Paul Powers. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his graveside service, with military honors, on Friday at 10 am at Forest Hill Cemetery, Utica, with Rev. John Croghan officiating. In keeping with Jack's wishes, there will be no public calling hours. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Jack's caregivers at Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., the Barton Hose Co., and the Oriskany Falls Volunteer Ambulance Corps, for their many acts of kindness. Arrangements are with the Kloster-Northrop & Bentz Funeral Home, Waterville.