Victor J. Stephens, 90, passed away Tuesday morning, December 15, 2015, just 10 days’ shy of his 91st birthday. Born in the Bronx, New York, Vic was a graduate of Fordham Prep and Fordham College. His college education was interrupted by a two-year stint in the US Army during World War II, where he served with the 62nd Field Hospital in the European Theater of Operations. He left the service with the rank of Technical Sergeant. Returning to college, Vic majored in journalism, and served as editor-in-chief of the college newspaper, “The Fordham Ram.” His first job was as a writer with a public relations firm in New York City, where he met and married Laureta Jeanne Rourke (Laurie). They had 50 loving years together. Laurie passed away in 2001. In 1953, Vic moved his young family to Salisbury, MD and entered the Real Estate business where he remained a presence for over 50 years. First as an associate with Raymond A. Weisner and later on his own and with partners, he completed extensive courses in numerous Real Estate specialties. He was the first licensed Realtor in the Maryland/Delaware/D.C. area to be awarded the C.C.I.M. designation as a commercial Real Estate specialist by the National Association of Realtors, and was the first president of the area C.C.I.M. chapter. Another first was the S.R.S. designation awarded as a specialist in Real Estate securities. He also completed the N.A.R.’s Real Estate appraisal courses and obtained a master’s license as a Real Estate appraiser. Vic served as president (and other offices) of the Coastal Association of Realtors, was the first president of the board’s Multiple Listing Service and was a recipient of the annual Realtor of the Year award. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Realtors for eight years and held other local, state and national offices. As a Real Estate developer, his many projects included residential subdivisions, office buildings, apartment projects, a small shopping center and two golf courses. In addition, he was a member of the Salisbury Elks for 57 years, and of the Knights of Columbus in Salisbury for 62 years. In 2005, Vic married Barbara Geissinger Brown of Dover, Delaware and moved from Salisbury to Dover. Although he continued managing his Real Estate properties, his life became that of the semi-retired – golf, fishing, traveling. The couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in October this year – ten wonderful years for both of them. Vic and his energy, generosity and love of life will be greatly missed but always remembered by his five children and their families: William Stephens (Matthew, Murphy and Sebastian), Victoria Stephens, Johnlyn Stephens (Megan and Jack), Christopher and Sarah Stephens (Sarah, Erin, Mariella and Nick), and Douglas and Nancy Stephens (Amanda); and his three step children and their families: John and Anne Geissinger, Karin and Steve Malkowski, Brent and Kim Geissinger. Services will be held on Monday, Dec. 28 at St. Francis de Sales Church in Salisbury: 10 a.m. visitation, 11 a.m. mass, 12 noon life celebration, 2:00 p.m. burial. Contributions in Vic’s honor can be made to Coastal Hospice in Salisbury or Delaware Hospice in Dover, Delaware. Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 501 Snow Hill Rd., Salisbury, MD 21804. Please visit www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.
View Full Notice → Victor Stephens