Kenneth L Stebbins

Kenneth Lindin Stebbins, 100, of Stratford, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2016. He was the beloved husband of the late Lillian Callahan Stebbins for over 60 years. Kenneth was born in Bridgeport on June 14, 1915 to the late George and Florence Meyers Stebbins. He was predeceased by twin siblings Velma Stebbins Keating and Ivan Stebbins. Kenneth was an achiever, who lived a long, active, productive life. In 1932, as a young man, he attended the Citizens Military Training Camp at Fort Adams in RI. He started his safety career at the Bridgeport Brass Co. as a safety inspector. While raising his children, he earned his engineering degree and was employed by Grumman Aircraft in Bethpage, LI. He was later hired as Safety Director at Avco Lycoming in Stratford, where he earned recognition and many citations for his professional affiliations, including President of the Connecticut Safety Society, Aerospace Section, the National Safety Council, Nutmeg Chapter, American Society of Safety Engineers and the board of directors of Greater Bridgeport Safety Council, Long active nationally, state wide and highway safety affairs, he was commended by former Gov. John Dempsey for his services of the State Safety Commission. He was the President of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce, The Board of Directors of the Stratford Red Cross, and the Drug Abuse Committee of Stratford. As director of safety at Lycoming he was responsible for implementing the provisions of the new Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). In that connection, he served as an instructor for lectures at a Safety and Industrial Accident Prevention Seminar at Fairfield University. After retiring, Kenneth continued to remain active with his knack of restoring old radios, and his passion for classic automobiles. Over the years he owned several. There was one he couldn’t part with; he became the proud owner of a 1942 Packard 110 convertible. He referred to it as his “baby.” He took great pride in winning numerous first place and best in show trophies. He enjoyed going to car shows and being with his friends. Kenneth and Lillian looked forward to going to Cape Cod each summer with their children and grandchildren.  Kenneth is survived by his son Robert and daughter-in-law Patricia of Harwich, MA, his devoted daughter, Sandra of Stratford. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, whom he loved dearly and was so proud of; Joseph Dinan (Patti) of Oxford, Kenneth Dinan of Milford, Colleen Tortora (Russ) of Shelton, Robin Uhelsky of Seymour, Kent Stebbins of Shelton, Reed Stebbins (Wendi) of Shelton, Tyler Stebbins (Kelly) of Shelton. Great-grandchildren, Russell and Jennifer Tortora, Megan and Kellyn Uhelsky, Daniel and Matthew Dinan, Jonathan Dinan, Reed Stebbins Jr., Kenneth Stebbins (Samantha), great-great grandson, Evan Novothy, brother-in-law, Jack Callahan of Punta Gorda, FL and several nieces and nephews. He also will miss his two beloved cats; Patches and Mike.  Special thanks to Patti Dinan for her help, support and encouragement. To his wonderful grandson, Reed Stebbins, whom out of love for his grandfather, was always there for him. To his special “buddy” and neighbor Dave Chapin. Also thanks to the caring staff at Carriage Green. He truly enjoyed laughing, complimenting and “flirting” with them. Private services were held on March 8, 2016 with burial at Putney Cemetery, Stratford. Donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

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