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Fog/Mist Ex-Baldwin Fire Department Chief who was beloved by many died on July 19
The Baldwin Fire Department Chief’s Office and the members of Hose Company Three announced the death of former Chief Robert L. Stephan Sr. on July 19.
Stephan joined the Baldwin Fire Department on February 12, 1964. During his tenure, he served Hose Company Three as 2nd Lieutenant in 1966, 1st Lieutenant in 1967, and Captain in 1968. He served the Baldwin Fire Department as 3rd Deputy Chief in 1973, 2nd Deputy Chief in 1974, 1st Deputy Chief in 1975, and Chief of Department in 1976.
Stephan was born on January 30, 1943 to Frieda and Fredrick Stephan. He was a devoted husband of Dorothy. He was a beloved father of Firefighter Robert L., Daniel C., Robert J., Kristina J. and stepfather of Eric. Also, he was a grandfather of Brittani.
Stephan was a 59-year member of the Baldwin Fire Department. He retired from Sanitary District #2 after 45 years of service. Stephen was a beloved brother in law, uncle, cousin, as well as friend to many and will be missed by all who knew him.
Stephan was awarded with the World Trade Center ribbon in 2001, Life Membership in 2003, Hurricane Sandy ribbon in 2012, and the Meritorious Service Award in 2014. He served at the Baldwin Fire Department for 59 years, 5 months, and 7 days.
“Chief Robert Stephan was a Fireman’s Chief,” firefighter Jerry Brown said. “Always with his men, never above them, but by our side whether it be making a fire hallway or opening the roof.”
Brown continued by saying that Stephen showed the ultimate respect for his men and always greeted people with a salute, handshake, and a smile.
“Whether the fire scene, racing course, or softball ball field he was an honor to be with,” Brown said. “The community of Baldwin has lost a son, the fire department a brother.”
Baldwin community members took to Facebook to share their condolences on the passing of Stephan. Many have known Stephan for decades, some over 60 years. He had deep roots in the community and Baldwin neighbors are all mourning his loss.
“Rest in Peace Chief,” Baldwin resident Pat Jackson said on Facebook. “Bobby was also quite possibly the most knowledgeable chauffeur that the Baldwin Fire Dept ever had. He knew every street, road, block, and cul-de-sac in the Baldwin community like the back of his strong calloused hands. I am grateful your suffering is gone. Well done good and faithful servant.”
Community members like Tom Marchitto remembers Stephan mowing the lawn in front of a Sheepgate Assembly Church on Joy Boulevard. Marchitto also recalls his father working with Stephan on several maintenance projects. Jayne Bowman, Baldwin resident, also remembers Stephan working with her father at Purolator.
Others remember Stephan as being a “good and faithful servant,” which is how Baldwin resident Roberta Peletier described him. Jim Braunstein called him an “absolute gentleman” and Ellen Hoover said that Stephan was a “nice man.”
Dawn Kirk said, “I will miss my biweekly visits with you.” He continued, “I’m very relieved that you are no longer suffering. You will forever be in my heart.”
The family received friends Sunday July 23 and Monday July 24 at Cecere Family Funeral Home 2283 Grand Ave. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert L. Stephan, visit the Heartfelt Sympathies Store at Cecere-Family-Funeral-Home.TributeStore.com.
