John E. Stevens passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 26, 2023, age 76 from a short illness and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus. He was born January 14, 1947 in Oceanside, NY by Leona Werner Stevens and Lawrence Stevens Sr., and grew up in Lynbrook, Long Island (NY) with his siblings; Barbara Petersen and Lawrence Stevens, Jr. He graduated from Malverne High School and then went to the School of Visual Arts. He was an artist from a young age, learning from his great Uncle Fred.
John worked for many magazines and companies throughout his years as a cartoonist and artist; Mad Magazine, Playboy Magazine and Robin Leach’s 60s rock and roll magazine Go. Throughout his life he taught cartooning classes and did freelance art as a “caricatoonist.” He created two books, Video Madness, and 101 Uses for a Dead Cube which sold many copies and became a question in Trivial Pursuit. 4 million readers in 70 newspapers enjoyed his weekly comic strip, The Grass is Greener co-authored with Ann E. Bell, illustrated by John and syndicated by King Features Syndicate. Years later he became a Santa Clause. He touched many people through his art.
John is survived by his wife of 30 years, Patricia Stevens, his children; Vanessa Lewis (Kevin Lewis), John David Stevens (Jennifer Berry), Alison Shears (Jeff Shears). Stepchildren; Tara, Brian, Keith and Sharon.
7 Grandchildren; Hailey, Jayden, Layla and Paisley Stevens, Colby, Connor, Cara Shears; siblings; Barbara Petersen and Lawrence Stevens Jr., and numerous nieces and nephews. His children’s mother; Ann Bell Stevens.
John lived a long and full life. Worked many jobs throughout life but was blessed to live out his dream as a professional artist for most of his years.
A Memorial service will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 11 AM at St. Joseph’s Church,15 North Avenue, Millbrook, NY 12545.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home, 83 East Main Street, Pawling, NY.
