Cleland R. Stephens

1921-2018

West Springfield - Cleland "Steve" Stephens, 96, died Tuesday at home. Steve was born and raised in Lyman, NH before living in West Springfield, MA for over 70 years. He was the only child of William Stephens Jr. and his wife Myrtle. Steve honorably served in the United States Army during World War II, rising to the rank of Technical Sergeant. He began a career as a Hoisting Engineer and built bridges and roads across New England. After retirement from construction he worked as a mechanic at Block Hydraulic. He was a longtime member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 98 in East Longmeadow. Steve will always be remembered for his quick wit and ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He enjoyed photography, genealogy and spending time with his family. He rejoins his wife of 49 years, Mary E. (Sullivan) Stephens who passed away in 1997. He leaves three children Linda Stephens and her companion Rudy Kallock, Donna Clark and her husband Phil, and Robert Stephens and his wife Diana. He also leaves three grandchildren, Sarah Stephens, Shannon (Stephens) Smith and her husband James, and Shaun Flaskamper along with two great grandchildren Calvin and Rory Flaskamper. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 4:00 – 7:00pm at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home.  A private service will be held in the chapel of the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.  For more details please visit curranjones.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the West Springfield Senior Center Meals on Wheels Program (WSCOAMOW), 128 Park St, West Springfield, MA 01089.