Theodore (Brooklyn) Louis Lankowski Stevens, Sr.

Theodore (Brooklyn) Louis Lankowski Stevens, Sr. passed away Friday, February 9, 2018. Ted lived in Stroudsburg, PA most of his life with his wife Betty Ann Stevens. Ted and Betty retired to Valdosta, GA to be with their daughter, Dolores (Dee) Repsher and grandchildren. He was so happy to be able to attend their soccer games, concerts and activities. Ted and Betty loved and danced their way through 48 years of marriage. Ted had a smile and laugh that lit up the room and enjoyed spending his time with friends and family. Even after settling in Valdosta, he still received the Pocono Record and enjoyed keeping up with local news from the Poconos. He took great pride in his home and spent many hours each year planting and grooming his flowers. He never held a grudge, was warm, caring, always so helpful to others, and his heart was always open for anyone.
Born on January 30, in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Jeanette Laursen and stepfather, William Laursen.
He graduated eighth grade from Holy Trinity School of Nanticoke, PA and moved to Stroudsburg, PA. He graduated from Stroudsburg High School and completed many night courses at Monroe County Vo Tech. He also took night classes in Union Procedure at PSU and Occupational, Safety and Health at University of Wisconsin.
Ted worked at Patterson Kelley for 45 years as a Group Leader, Assembler, Pipe Fitter, and Electrician. He was a Shop Steward at Patterson Kelley for many years and represented the Local #397 Shipbuilder and Boilmakers Union. He started the first Industrial Fast Pitch Softball League in Monroe County with Ten Industrial teams. He was the President of the League for ten years. Ted was a part time bartender at various locations in town for many years.
Ted was a member of St. Luke’s Church in Stroudsburg, PA for over 50 years and was instrumental in raising funds with Joe O’Donnel and many helpers to build St. Luke’s Church with Father Barrett. He was a former Third Degree Knights of Columbus in Father Butler Council. Ted was a great Penn State fan, never missing a game, and loved to cruise with his wife Betty and friends in the Caribbean.
Ted was a member of B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge #319 of East Stroudsburg, PA, Eagles Club 1106, American Legion Club, George M. Kemp Post in East Stroudsburg, PA.
Besides his wife Betty, Ted is survived by his daughter, Dolores Repsher; grandson, Ian Repsher; granddaughter, Brookelynn Repsher of Valdosta, GA; son-in-law, Shane Repsher; daughter, Gloria Smale and husband, Robert of Delaware; grandsons, Robert and Bruce; daughter-in-law, Gina Stevens (Ted Stevens, Jr., deceased) of Pike County; grandson, Matthew Stevens; granddaughter, Michelle Stevens; son, Michael Stevens and wife, Dawn of Reeders, PA; grandchildren, Michael, Nicholas, and Rebecca Stevens; brother, Stanley Stevens and wife, Sylvia of Closter, NJ; sister-in-law, Joyce Stevens of St. Louis, MO; brother-in-law, Howard Manfra and wife, Jean of Newton, NJ; brother-in-law, Michael Manfra of Erwinna, NJ; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ted was predeceased by his son, Theodore Stevens, Jr. of Stroudsburg, PA; brothers, Leon Lankowski of NJ, Lawrence Stevens, Sr. of St. Louis, MO; sister, Dolores Kearney and her husband, Ray Kearney, Sr. of Tampa, FL; mother-in-law, Carleene Soter and her husband, Stanley of Albrightsville, PA; and sister-in-law, Janice Hunter and her husband, Doug of Bear Creek, PA.
His wish was to be cremated, and private services and committal at Laurelwood Cemetery, Stroudsburg, PA will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial remembrances be made to the St. Luke’s Church, 818 W. Main St. Stroudsburg, PA 18360 or Memorial Sloan Kettering Pancreas Cancer Center, 1075 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home is serving the Stevens Family.