Alfred Stephany

Lima — December 25, 2025, at age 88, Alfred Joseph “AJ” Stephany, Jr. passed away
peacefully.
AJ is survived by his loving children: Heidi Stephany-Ondek; Katrina (Bruce) Williams; Rebecca (Alain) Mahmoud; and Trey (Christyn) Stephany. He was deeply adored by his nine grandchildren: Mikaela, Mackenzie, Joel, Abbie, Robby, Matthew, Ellie, Emily, and Eddie; eight great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 62 years, Judy, in 2024; his sisters Jean (John) Mastasio, Shirley (Bob) Westbrook, and Millie (Brad) Smith; and his brothers Ed (Jane) Stephany and Greg (Nancy) Stephany.
AJ was born in Rochester, New York, to Mildred and Alfred J. Stephany Sr. He was raised in Brighton and Pittsford, alongside five siblings, and spent countless summers and weekends at Conesus Lake—all places that forever held his heart.

At the age of 19, AJ fell while hiking at Letchworth State Park and suffered severe traumatic brain and bodily injuries. Against all odds, he survived to live another almost seven decades. It was not free of struggles yet while a cat only has nine lives, AJ had dozens more. Many suspected he’d live forever and he carried on as if he would. Just prior to this fateful fall, he had the good fortune of meeting the girl who would, years later, become his wife. News of his accident furthered her interest, but they both had dreams to accomplish first. AJ’s involved a move to NYC to work at NBC Studios where he was thrilled to meet some of his favorite celebrities, most notably, Harry Belafonte.

Marriage came in 1962, and he and Judy didn’t waste any time starting a family. They immersed themselves in life in Lima where he practiced his pranks and practical jokes. Some impractical ones too. His family developed patience and he developed a reputation. He liked to have fun and fun he had.
While his children were young, AJ got involved with Vince Lombardi Football, and Lima Girls Softball League, where he served as coach. He and Judy lovingly and begrudgingly rehabbed their old colonial home, one room at a time. When the house emptied and retirement arrived, they downsized to another friendly Lima neighborhood and were now free to travel, visiting Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii. They appreciated the winter warmth of Florida and the Caribbean.

AJ spent most of his working life as a Sales Rep, later becoming a Downtown Guide for the City of Rochester, where he proudly served as a friendly face promoting tourism and local businesses. In retirement, he remained active and engaged — volunteering enthusiastically with Lima Senior Citizens, and at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, and weekly poker games until Covid halted their fun. He was once honored as Lima’s “Senior Citizen of the Year.”

After the loss of Judy in 2024, AJ motored on with resilience and spirit. He found his way to Morgan Estates Assisted Living in Geneseo, where a compassionate community of caregivers and new friends embraced him. Daily visits from his daughter Rebecca, along with the friendship of Marianne and others, became his lifeblood. We imagine AJ now rounding up his poker buddies, challenging others to Monopoly marathons, and pulling pranks on the uninitiated — free once again to do so without restraint.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at O’Connell-Dougherty Funeral Home, 2041 Lake Ave., Lima. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rose Church, Lima, with interment to follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, Avon. A reception will be held on Saturday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Galene Restaurant, 5870 Big Tree Rd., Lakeville, New York. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Lima Ambulance, 7024 W. Main St., Lima, NY 14485, or the Lima Food Bank, c/o Lima Town Hall, 7329 E. Main St., Lima, NY, made in AJ’s memory, would speak to his heart. Doing a good turn for a neighbor would also be a wonderful way to honor AJ’s life.