Robert Stevenson

Robert J. Stevenson

Rochester - Passed away March 26, 2021, at age 92. He is predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Mary, parents, Robert W. and Clara, survived by children, Mary Rose McBride (Mike Martin), Bob Stevenson (Liza), John Stevenson (Alyson), and Ann Hill (Andre) grandchildren, Alex (Kim), Eric (Bridget) Angelica, Emma, Max and Grace, cousin, Katherine Mowson, brother-in-law, Frank Mentesana, many nieces and nephews. Bob grew up in Northeast Rochester, attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, St. Andrew's Seminary and St. Bernard's Seminary. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, stationed in post-war Italy and Austria. After a stint in production control at GM, he pursued his true calling and earned a Masters degree in Education at the University of Rochester. It was during this time, while working at the Genesee Settlement House, that he met the love of his life, Mary. Bob went on to teach Physics, Chemistry, and General Science for 30 years at Jefferson High School, as well as coach the swim team. Always working, Bob painted houses every summer or worked on physics curriculum development at the State Education Board, but still found time to throw a baseball or build a backyard swimming pool or ice rink. A pillar of Sacred Heart Cathedral, he served on Parish Council, taught CCD, ushered masses, and later helped lead the church restoration campaign. Bob served for many years on the City of Rochester Environmental Commission, with particular interest in the Genesee River revival, and the 26th Legislative District Democratic Committee. After retiring from teaching he was elected to City Council, representing the Northwest District for 20 years, where he was a model of constituent service. Bob was passionate about Rochester history and often led tours of the Genesee River Gorge. The Stevenson Trail, along the river in Maplewood is dedicated to Bob and Mary. He had a deep knowledge of water and waste systems and participated in the public works committee of the National League of Cities. He served on the boards of The Aquinas Institute, Nazareth Academy, Monroe County Health Dept., and the Maplewood YMCA, where he led construction of a community garden. Bob was instrumental in the restoration and care of the Maplewood Rose Garden and the development of Turning Point Park in Charlotte. You could often find him walking PacTac in the neighborhood with Mary, or riding along with the police on Lyell Avenue. He had a deep love for gardening, maintaining a greenhouse at Jefferson and later in his backyard, where he always produced a miraculous crop of vegetables and started flowers for local beds. Bob could fix anything, had an intense curiosity for how things worked, and a photographic memory that he was happy to share with everyone. He enjoyed fishing and continued to swim for fitness into his eighties. Later in life, Bob personally devoted himself to Mary's Alzheimer's care, and then found a second home and family at Lifespan's Lily Cafe at the Maplewood YMCA. The friendships formed there brought great joy and purpose. The family would like to thank Bob's amazing caregivers, Bill, Caroline, Charles, Coral, Crystal, Lorie, Martha, Meredith, Sharon, Teresa, and life-long friend, devoted neighbor, Jill Dimino.

Donations may be made in Bob's memory to Lifespan, 1900 S. Clinton Ave, Rochester, 14618 or online at www.lifespan-roch.org, designating the Lily Cafe, or to The Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development at University of Rochester, 500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd, LeChase Hall, Box 270425, Rochester, NY 14627, designating the Stevenson Scholar Award in memory of Robert and Mary Stevenson.

Friends may call Friday, May 7th 4-7 PM at Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home, 777 Long Pond Road. Funeral mass and interment will be held privately.