William "Bill" Stevens

William “Bill” Stevens, age 82, passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a life defined by devotion, faith, laughter, and a love story that began in childhood and lasted a lifetime.

Bill was born on June 17, 1943, in Albany, New York, to William F. Stevens and Margaret Stevens (Wolf). From the beginning, Bill’s life was rooted in family, commitment, and deep connection to those around him.

Bill was the beloved husband of Maureen Rainis, his childhood sweetheart and best friend. Their story began when they were just 8 and 10 years old. As teenagers, they began dating at 15 and 17, and their bond grew into a remarkable partnership that lasted 61 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, devotion, and joy. Bill was incredibly devoted to Maureen, and their relationship was the heart of their family. They loved dancing together, especially to their song, “Through the Years,” a reflection of the life they shared side by side. They were honored to be the last couple standing for the Anniversary Dance at countless family wedding celebrations.

A graduate of Vincentian Institute (1961) and SUNY Albany (1965), Bill began his career as a teacher in the Coxsackie-Athens School District, where he made an impact through patience and care. He later carved out a successful path in sales, a role that suited him well. Bill enjoyed the long drives to visit clients, many of whom became lifelong friends. Those journeys were never just about business, but about connection, conversation, and the relationships he built along the way.

Bill was known for his sarcastic sense of humor, sharpened through years of growing up alongside his five brothers and two sisters. His direct way of speaking made people laugh, and his grandchildren in particular loved his honesty, wit, and carefree approach to life.

His greatest passion was his family. Bill and Maureen raised seven children, creating a home filled with unconditional love, laughter, and lasting memories. One of his grandchildren’s favorite traditions was riding in the car with their Papa and Nanie, listening as Maureen offered her running commentary and gentle advice on Bill’s driving. Those rides were filled with laughter and became treasured moments of togetherness.

Bill’s life was also marked by profound loss. Bill and Maureen endured the heartbreaking deaths of two of their children, John in 2019 and Jennifer in 2023. The grief of losing them never left, Bill made daily trips to the cemetery, leaving fresh flowers to signify they were always in his thoughts. Spiritually grounded, he held tightly to the hope of being reunited one day with his treasured children who left this world far too soon.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Maureen Stevens, and his children: Bill (Mindy) Stevens, Kevin (Tracey) Stevens, Kim (Peter) Namkoong, Scott (Lisa) Stevens, Michael (Catherina) Stevens, and the late John Stevens and Jennifer (Mike) Goronsky.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren:

Brittany (Mike) Yakel, Charlie (Morgan) Stevens, Lauren (Lou Karaiskos) Namkoong, Alexis (Josh) Blaauboer, Cailyn Stevens, Michael Goronsky, Aidan Stevens, PJ Namkoong, Olivia Namkoong, Eliza Ashe, Ryan Goronsky, Harper Stevens, Angela Stevens, Carmine Stevens, and great grandchildren Peyton and Parker.

Bill leaves behind his beloved siblings Maureen (Gene), Lemme, Jill (Tom), Tim (Patty), Garry (Naomi), Mike (Laurie), and Dan (Michelle). He was preceded in death by his dear brother, Brian (Janet). He is also lovingly survived by his brother- and sister-in-law, Paula and Jack (Gail) Rainis.

Bill’s legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply, the marriage that inspired everyone who knew them, and the countless memories that will continue to be shared for generations.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of the doctors, nurses, and skilled care team at St. Peter’s who provided such compassionate, competent support over the last several months.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, at Cannon Funeral Home, Colonie NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, February 6, at 10:30 am in Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206. Interment will follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 2501 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Niskayuna, NY.