Thomas Stevens

At long last, Thomas Stevens, 93, has rejoined his beautiful bride, Virginia Penna, in Heaven. Born in Binghamton in 1929, to Mary Brachna Stevens and Stephen Stevens, Tom "Red" as he was known, loved football and played full-back for the Central High Bulldogs. Recognized for his talents, Tom earned a football scholarship to attend a small college. He turned it down because he had just met "the girl of his dreams," Virginia. No one knew cars like Tom Stevens. His passion began as a Service Technician working his way up to become Service Manager for four of the largest new car dealerships in the Syracuse Zone including French Chevrolet, Don Owen Pontiac, Botnick Chevrolet, and Ken Wilson Chevrolet. His hard work and talent earned him the respect of his customers and recognition by Chevrolet in two national magazines, Time and Newsweek in 1973. Tom proudly kept them on his nightstand for all these years. After retiring, he took great pride working with his two sons at #1 Preferred Used Cars in Binghamton where was known for his honesty, hard work, and fairness to customers. But more important than his work, was his family. For Tom loved Virginia so much, he became both Catholic and Italian in her honor. His home was forever adorned in her affinity for pink and roses, with never one complaint--- only love. Tom and Virginia had 6 beautiful children whom they raised with love and values. Sundays were for church, food, family, and football as Tom would never miss cheering on the NY Giants, or the New York Yankees, after Virginia cooked his favorite Italian meals. His hobbies included sailing, building model planes, hunting, fishing and traveling to Italy, Puerto Rico, California, Florida, and Texas. He was also known to love inventing gadgets, telling jokes, and watching old movies. Thomas is preceeded in death by his only love, Virginia Penna, as well as his son and namesake, Thomas "Tommy" Stevens. He is survived by his children, Linda Prutisto (Mark), Joanne Dirlam (David), Donna McGuire, Carol Young (Tom), and Gary Stevens (Lisa), along with his 12 Grandchildren and 12 Great-Grandchildren whom he loved so very much. Tom is also survived by his brother Robert, "Uncle Bob" Stevens, and sister, Gladys, in Texas. Tom leaves behind a legacy of a self-made business man, a warm and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Who can ask for more in life than that?! Private services will be held with his immediate family. Donations may be made to a Veteran’s organization of your choice.