Lesley Raoul Stephenson's Obituary
Lesley Raoul Stephenson, 78, was born in Manhattan, New York, at French Hospital. Les passed away after a brave battle with lung cancer. A strong man of great faith, he is now with his Lord.
His mother, Armande Camille Labossiere, and father, Raoul Albert Stephenson, came to America from Haiti to establish their home. While they were getting settled in America, their four children remained in Haiti with family. One by one, the children were brought to New York. Les, the eldest, was the first to arrive at the age of eight, followed by Margaret, Joel, and Gary. Les was the consummate big brother who always looked out for his siblings.
Les attended school in New York, and when his family moved to Canada during the Vietnam War, he enrolled at Laval University. After a year, he decided he wanted to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. With his family's blessing, he did so, and was inducted at Fort Hamilton, New York, before being sent to Parris Island for training.
Les was deployed overseas into combat as a member of the legendary First Battalion, Ninth Marines, also known as "The Walking Dead." Before he left, his mother insisted that he pin to his clothing a prayer of protection written in her native French. He carried an M60 machine gun. The nickname "The Walking Dead" was given to the battalion by a general under the command of Ho Chi Minh in an attempt to intimidate them. Instead, the brave Marines of One Nine proudly embraced the name in defiance. They experienced some of the fiercest combat of the Vietnam War, sustaining an especially high casualty rate while facing extraordinary challenges and hardships throughout their tour of duty.
Les served honorably, earning many commendations, including the Purple Heart. Along with seven other combat veterans, he co-founded Delaware's first shelter for homeless veterans, Home of the Brave in Milford, Delaware. Since opening its doors in May 1994, Home of the Brave has provided shelter, rehabilitation, counseling, and support to countless veterans as they transitioned to employment and stable lives.
Les also continued his service by spending five years in Delaware's National Guard with the 945th Maintenance Company in Milford, Delaware. In addition, he served on many honor guards, paying tribute to deceased veterans.
Les's greatest gift was his ability to connect with people. He treated everyone with equal dignity and respect and was deeply loved by his family, neighbors, and friends, all of whom will miss his presence.
Les was predeceased by his brother, Joel. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his daughter, Marcy; his siblings, Margaret, Gary, Fritz, and Florana; and his many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be private.
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