Retired trainmaster for Boston and Maine Railroad
Published in the March 10, 2016 edition
NORTH READING — Lester H. “Stevie” Stephenson, Jr. – 85, of North Reading, formerly of Melrose, died at his home on Tuesday, March 1,2016. He was the beloved husband of the late Marie E. (MacIntosh) Stephenson.
Born in Lynn on May 23, 1930. He was the son of the late Lester H. Stephenson, Sr. and Marion (Roberts) Stephenson. He was raised and attended school in Melrose and was a graduate of Melrose High School. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Lester was a retired Trainmaster for the Boston and Maine Railroad for 40 years,he worked from 1947 to 1987. He continued his work with AMTRAK, ending in 1994. After AMTRAK, he worked as an MBTA commuter rail consultant until 2004.
Stevie was best known as an intensely active member of the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine. He was elected a Member Trustee of the museum in 1957 to 1975. He was General Manager of the museum from 1960 to 1975 and editor of The Seashore Trolley Museum Dispatch from 1959 to 1972.
He was also a skilled tractor–trailer driver and was responsible for moving many streetcars and other transit vehicles to the museum. Stevie continued as an active volunteer. He often worked behind the scenes in the museum gift shop and was a frequent crew member.
As a member of the Boston Street Railway Association and Friends of Bedford Depot Park, he provided considerable information and many photographs for publication. He treasured his monthly luncheon attendance at “Old Wheels” meetings, sharing a lifetime of experience with his railroad colleagues. He was also an active volunteer at the Seashore’s operation in Lowell with the National Park Service. In 2009, the Museum elevated Stevie to the position of Senior Trustee.
He was a resident of North Reading since 1966 and was a member of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church. He was a loving father and grandfather.
Family members include his loving son, Donald Stephenson and his wife Cheryl and his loving daughter, Shanna Pagliuca; five cherished grandchildren, Zachary Stephenson, Stephen Pagliuca, Jr., Ray Ray Pagliuca, Jessica Stephenson and Tyler Pagliuca, all of North Reading; his brother, Thomas Stephenson and wife Anne of Weeks Mills, ME and his sister, Priscilla Lucey and her husband Bob of Melrose.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend calling hours at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading on Saturday, March 12, from 10 to 1 p.m., followed by a luncheon at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 235 Park Street, North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Seashore Trolley Museum, P.O. Box A, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, attention to Car 4387 or to the Car Barn Fund. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
