Thomas J. Stevens

Clifton Park-Thomas J. Stevens passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept 15, 2010 after a full and rich life. Born in Albany, NY in 1923, Tom was the loving husband of Mary (Mae) McLaughlin for 58 years. Mae predeceased Tom in February of 2005. He was the son of the late John and Ellen (Curran) Stevens from County Tipperary, Ireland. Tom worked for the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Division of Animal Industry for 42 years. Tom was very active in his Catholic faith, becoming the very first ‘Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist’ at St. Patrick’s Church in Albany in the 1960’s, following the Second Vatican Council. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, The St. Vincent DePaul Society, and was an usher at Mass every Sunday. Besides his involvement in his church, Tom was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 1 in Albany since 1943. He was Division Organizer for many years, President of the Hall Association for ten years, and Chairman of the Bingo Committee for twenty-five years. He was active in organizing two national and two state Hibernian conventions hosted by the Division. In 1976 Tom received the Division’s very first ‘Hibernian of the Year’ award. Survivors include five children, Peggy (Rick) Padula of Syracuse, Kathleen Stevens of Clifton Park, Ellen (Greg) Schaefer of Clifton Park; Mark (Joanne) Stevens of Colonie, and Patrick (Colleen) Stevens Guilderland; 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren also survive. Besides his wife, Mae, he was predeceased by his sister, Mollie Killelea, and brothers Jack and Bill Stevens, and his son Joseph Stevens. The family would like to thank the staff at Schuyler Ridge Residential Health Center for all their care and compassion. Funeral services Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 9:00 am at St. Edward the Confessor Church, Clifton Park. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Friday, September 17, 2010 4:00 to 8:00 pm in the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen St. Albany,NY. Interment St. Agnes Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made Holy Cross Family Ministries / Family Rosary, 518 Washington Street, North Easton, MA 02356-1200. To leave the family a special message on their guest book; obtain a prayer card or directions; or share a photo or E-card with them, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Thomas J. Stevens

October 24, 1923 - September 14, 2010