Obituary of Byam K. Stevens Jr.

Byam Kerby Stevens, Jr.  born June 19, 1930, died peacefully in his home on April 11, 2025. He was 94. He came from an illustrious family some of whom founded the Sons of the Revolution. He was a consummate gentleman with the graces of a bygone era. He grew up in a family that were part of the gilded age but did not show it as a result of his real humility and the responsibility he felt towards the community around him.

While the family lived in Kirby Hill, Long Island , he attended Green Vale School. Then he graduated from the Malcolm Gordon School, St. Paul's, and Yale.

Byam prided himself on doing for others and has helped innumerable institutions as an obligation of being born into privilege. He had a long career in finance following in the footsteps of most members of his family. He was Mayor of Muttontown while he lived in Kirby Hill which exemplified his leadership skills.

He joined his family tradition of belonging to the Holland Lodge in New York and became Master of the Lodge. He was honored by the Matinecock Lodge in Oyster Bay for 70 years of service.

Byam was chiefly responsible for some of the successes of the world renowned American Ballet Theater. He raised funds for many causes and was particularly proud of the fact that he and a classmate started fundraising for St Paul's School via the alumni.

Much of his life was spent on the water as the coxswain of varsity crews in St. Paul's and Yale. The coach of the Yale crew recently called to congratulate him on his 90th birthday. An avid sailor, he navigated the entire East coast from Maine to Florida. He was a member of Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, the Order of the Cincinnati, the Piping Rock Club, and Christ Church Oyster Bay, where he is honored under the main altar stained glass window towards which he assisted in refurbishing.

He is survived by his wife, Marian Verlander-Stevens, his four children, Priscilla Polk (Robert), Byam III (Robin), Alden (Patty), Brooke (Leslie), six grandchildren and many great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Priscilla L. Stevens.

Visitation at Oyster Bay Funeral Home 261 South St., Oyster Bay, NY on May 2, 5-8 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held on May 3, 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church, Oyster Bay.