Peter W. Stephenson

07/13/2001

Peter W. Stephenson, 78, of 368 High St. died Friday at Berkshire Medical Center. Mr. Stephenson was a teacher and guidance counselor at the former Dalton High School and at Wahconah Regional High School for a total of 36 years. He started the physical-education program at Wahconah, where he was the basketball coach for 17 years. He retired in 1986. Born in Brightlingsea, England, on April 12, 1923, son of Henry and Olive Smith Stephenson, he moved to Williamstown and was a 1941 graduate of the former Williamstown High School. He was also a graduate of Springfield College. He moved to Dalton in 1950. A World War II Army veteran, he served with the 314th Transportation Company in Rome, Arno, southern France, Normandy, the Rhineland and the Ardennes. He was discharged as a staff sergeant in 1945. He was a member of First Church of Christ, Congregational, where he served as an usher. He was also a 32nd-degree mason and past master, treasurer, secretary and trustee of Unity Lodge of Masons. He served as district deputy grand master of the 16th Masonic District, and was a member of the York Rite Bodies. He was a member, past president and member of the board of Wahconah Country Club. He and his wife, the former Patricia Bates, were married Dec. 27, 1947. Besides his wife, he leaves three sons, Robert M. Stephenson of Milford, Conn., Michael S. Stephenson of Cape Coral, Fla., and David R. Stephenson of Groveland; a daughter, Susan A. Stephenson of Dalton; a brother, Donald H. Stephenson of Buffalo, N.Y.; a sister, Gwendolyn Stephenson of Rockport, and six grandchildren. Services will be conducted Tuesday at 10 at BARTLETT-WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 525 Main St., Dalton, by the Rev. John McKinstry. Burial will follow in Ashuelot Cemetery. Calling hours will be tomorrow from 7 to 9. The Unity Lodge of Masons will conduct a memorial service tomorrow at 9 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Unity Lodge of Masons or to the Dalton Ambulance Fund.

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