Peter Stevens

Peter W. Stevens, 76, passed away on November 28, 2025, in Buffalo, NY.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Karen; children Jenna, Courtney (Christopher) King, and Ryan (Stacie); brothers Stanley (Stacey Vaccaro) and John (Stacey); and first wife Irene. Cherished Grandpa Pete to Joshua, Abigail, Elijah, Andrew, and Ayda; and Uncle Pete to Jonathan, Rachel, Jake, and Erica as well as many other nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Helen, as well as siblings Robert and Anita.

Born on July 1, 1949, Peter grew up on the West Side of Buffalo and pursued higher education at Buffalo State and Penn State, laying the foundation for a distinguished career as the Vice President of Admissions at Daemen College and later as President and Owner of the Cambridge Stratford Study Skills Institute, a role he maintained until his passing. He exemplified the phrase, “For it is in giving that we receive,” through his time in the Army Reserves, the East Amherst Rotary Club, in his role as the first men’s intercollegiate basketball coach at D’Youville College, and in his service to the All Saints Polish National Catholic Church.

As a proud Polish man, his passions included waking his children up with Polka music Sunday mornings, giving great advice so those around him could reach their fullest potential, camping with family and friends, finding treasures at garage sales, walking tens of thousands of miles, writing meaningful notes, and cooking delicious soups. He maintained beautiful gardens and enjoyed sharing plant clippings with others. He was outgoing, friendly with everyone, enthusiastic about life, funny, and loved speaking gibberish to his grand kids. As a snow bird, he enjoyed summers in his hometown of Buffalo and beautiful winters with his in-laws in Clearwater, Florida. He maintained a beloved Christmas in August tradition with his family during his summers in Buffalo and emphasized the importance of practicing gratitude and realizing how “LUCKY’ we all are.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring to honor Peter’s memory.