Paul C. Stevens, 90, died on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, in the arms of his family at Mystic Manor after an extended battle with Alzheimers and leukemia.
He was born in Lynn, Mass., on Aug. 16, 1918, the son of John and Winifred Stevens.
Following his graduation from Suffolk University Law School he married Janet (Butterworth) Stevens in Longmeadow, Mass., on Oct. 4, 1941. She survives him.
In January 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet. He served until November 1945. His final assignment was as an Engineering Officer and Check Pilot at the Primary Pilot School, Tuskegee Institute, Ala., working with cadets who came to be known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
An attorney and member of the Massachusetts Bar, he spent his career in the commercial insurance industry until his retirement in 1980. From 1980 until 2005, he and Janet lived in Maryland where he was an avid sailor and together they were energetic walkers and ballroom dancers.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter and grandson, Sally A. Stevens and Collin Stevens of New Orleans, La.; and three sons, Peter H. and Cynthia Stevens of Seattle, Wash., Richard A. and Lia Stevens of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Charles E. and Marilyn Stevens of Mystic.
After moving to Mystic in 2005, Paul and Janet were adopted by their extended family, Polly Chorlton, Joe Snurkowski and Chelsea Snurkowski of Stonington, Charles and Jacey Chorlton of Groton and John, Katie, Kai and Gus Chorlton of Crested Butte, Colo.
The family extends its immeasurable gratitude to the staff at Mystic Manor. For the last three and a half years of his life they embraced him, and Janet, with their love, care and kindness. Their extraordinary sensitivity at the end of his life was a comfort and blessing to his family.
Services are private and at the convenience of the family.
Donations may be made to the Recreation Fund at Mystic Manor, 475 High St., Mystic CT 06355.
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