Obituary of Tom Stephenson

Tom Stephenson, 69, passed away at his home in Palm Bay, FL on December 29, 2018. Son of the late Harry and Wilma (Irons) Stephenson, he was born in Lakewood, NJ on March 23, 1949. Tom served in the Naval Air Reserves as an Aircraft Mechanic. After serving in the Naval Air Reserves, Tom raced mini stocks and modifieds on various short tracks in the Northeast. One race car he took a great deal of pride in was the Flying 0 that he had built from scratch, and won several races with in the mid-70s. After short track racing, Tom raced Garvey boats in the New Jersey Speed Garvey Racing Association. Tom was a Co-Pilot on the 1982 World Champion Garvey G-88 “Newtens Rebel”, and was a proud member of the “Waretown Donkey Farm… We Haul Ass!” Tom also enjoyed surf fishing from the beach in Island Beach State Park in New Jersey as a member of the Strip Surf Fishing Club. Tom then settled down and became the Service Manager at Winter Yacht Basin in Mantoloking, NJ from 1980 through 1993. Tom and the family relocated to Florida in late 1993, and he became Service Manager at Indian Harbour Marina (now Telemar Bay Marina). In 1997 Tom formed his own business “Tom Stephenson’s Marine Services” and earned the respect of all of his customers and clients as one of the best boat mechanics in the county. The old saying in town was, “If Tom couldn’t fix it, nobody could.” Among his many customers was Patrick Air Force Base, Eau Gallie Yacht Club, and Caterpillar. From the late 90’s through the mid 2000’s, one of his many interests was being involved with the Florida Youth Scratch Bowlers Tournament (Loschetter Tournaments). Tom “supposedly” retired in 2014, when he did just about everything, including woodworking, flooring, and repairing everything that everyone broke. Tom was married in May of 1979 and is survived by his loving wife Carol; his sister, Bonnie (Ray) Doucette; his brother, Don (Joann) Stephenson; his three sons, Tom Jr, Rob, and Don (Kerry); his two granddaughters Chaice and Kielee and their mother Robbin Adams. Tom was a very loving, caring and giving person. His firm handshake and signature smile would light up a room. His favorite saying “Adapt, Improvise, and Overcome” became the Stephenson motto. He will always be with us in our hearts and his spirit will live on through all of us. Special thanks to the staff of Health First Cancer Center and Health First Hospice. A celebration of life will be from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on Saturday, January 5 at Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, 1001 S. Hickory St. in Melbourne. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.