Edward T. Stephenson, Jr., 94, of Bethlehem, Pa., died on June 29, 2024, in Country Meadows, Bethlehem Township. He was the husband of his beloved wife, the late Irma Patricia (Geiger) Stephenson who died in 2009 after 56 years of marriage, and the son of Edward T. Stephenson Sr. and Alberta (Adams) Stephenson. Born in Atlantic City, NJ and raised in Pleasantville, NJ, he had lived in Bethlehem for 68 years since July, 1956.

Dr. Stephenson was a graduate of Pleasantville (NJ) High School, Lehigh University (B.S.), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.S.). He was awarded a Ph.D. after completing a work study program sponsored by Bethlehem Steel and Lehigh University. He was a metallurgist and Research Fellow at the Homer Research Laboratories for 36 years before retiring in 1992. He authored and co-authored 35 technical papers. In addition he had been a Lecturer at the Metals Engineering Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, and an Adjunct Professor at Lafayette College, Easton, Pa.

During his career, Stephenson received several honors from the American Society for Metals, including the Young Authors award, Bradley Stoughton Award (Lehigh Valley Chapter), and Fellow of the Society. He had been a member and chairman of the editorial committees for several peer-reviewed technical journals, and was also a member of The Metallurgical Society, and two research honorary societies. He also received the Lehigh University Alumni Award.

He was an Engineering Duty Officer (Ensign and LTJG) in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. While serving at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Ed participated in the emergency repairs to the aircraft carrier USS Wasp after its tragic collision with the destroyer USS Hobson.

Dr. Stephenson had been active in the YMCA Indian Guides, and shared the YMCA Father-Son Award with his three sons. He had also been active in his church, as well as in the Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster in Troop 362.

He enjoyed traveling in the British Isles, Western Europe and Morocco with his late wife Pat. Their best trips were to the American West with their children and grandchildren. In addition to traveling, he enjoyed theater, classical music, opera, Lehigh wrestling, and a variety of books.

He is survived by sons, William (Joelle) of Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, Mark of Edgewater, MD and Thomas of State College, PA; a daughter, Debra (Michael) McGlade of Allentown; grandchildren, Alexander, Lucas, Emma, and Claire; nieces, Nancy Gosner and Janice Anderson; and a nephew Gerald Ueckermann.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, July 3, in the Pearson Funeral Home, 1901 Linden Street, Bethlehem, followed by burial in Bethlehem Memorial Park. Family and friends may call Wednesday from 12:30 PM until the service begins.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Minsi Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America, 991 Postal Road, Allentown, PA 18109.