Obituary of Alfonzo T. Stephens, Sr.

Alfonzo T. Stephens was born on May 17, 1971 in Philadelphia, PA. Alfonzo departed this life surrounded by his family and friends on Tuesday, March 15, 2016. Alfonzo was born to the late Timothy Stephens and Mildred Stephens, nee Mazyck. As a child, he enjoyed spending his summers in South Carolina with his cousins, especially his cousin Chrissy. After his mother's death, he spent some time in Connecticut with his Aunt Lucretia and her family. On June 10, 1995 he married his high school sweetheart Lori Stephens. Through this union three children were born. Alfonzo T. Stephens (AJ), Aliyah B. Stephens and Alex J. Stephens. He was so proud of all of his children. They each had a special place in his heart. Some of his proudest moments were: AJ graduating from college; his baby girl aka Aliyah scoring 1,000 career points as a junior in high school and Alex making the 3rd/4th grade travel basketball team as a second grader! He was a dedicated and involved father. He coached all three of his children in basketball. Not only did he coach his children, he was also very involved in the town basketball travel teams and AAU basketball team with The Jersey Jammers, Next Level Skill Set and Philly Freedom Stars. He was a true Philadelphia sports fan. No matter how bad the 76ers and Eagles played, he continued to be a die hard fan. He was a 76ers season ticket holder for years. He enjoyed watching and talking smack about other teams with non Philadelphia fans or "Front Runners" as he liked to call them. Special shout out to AJ, Alex, Larry, Dejuan, Antonio Jr./Sr. and Sebastian, who he considered all "Front Runners". Alfonzo was adventurous. He enjoyed taking family vacations, especially cruises. Not a single cruise would go by without the family wanting to go zipping, cave tubing, snorkeling and swimming with the dolphins. Another favorite activity of his was finding the biggest, fastest and tallest roller coasters to ride with AJ and Aliyah. He was truly a thrill seeker! Alfonzo was a dedicated husband, father and friend to his family. He enjoyed BBQing and entertaining his family and friends. His barbecue ribs were the best in South Jersey. They would literally fall off the bone. He had a passion for spicy food which, he also shared with his youngest son, Alex. Alfonzo was always creating different types of rubs and barbecue sauces. Just be careful and ask him first how spicy it is. He was a graduate of Olney High School in 1989. He received his undergraduate from Lasalle University and his MBA from Temple University. Alfonzo was a hard worker. He loved his job at US Bank. He enjoyed going out and meeting with his partners. If you asked him he would tell you he had the best team in the company. He also worked at Campbell Soup Company; Pepsi and J. P. Morgan Chase. He leaves to cherish in his memory his wife, Lori A. Stephens. Children: Alfonzo T. Stephens, Jr., Aliyah B. Stephens (Baby Girl) and Alex J. Stephens. Brothers: Alton Mazyck of CT and Richard Kelly (Rose) of SC. Mother-in-law: Sheila Jarmon-Starkie; father-in-law, George Stark; sister-in-law: Shawna Jarmon of MI. Nieces: Stefanie Kelly and Keisha Kelly. Nephews: Donnell Jarmon and Derron Bennett, Jr.; Great Nephew: Donnell Jarmon, Jr. and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.