Mr Albert "Buddy" Stephenson II

Albert was fondly known as Buddy and born to Albert and Maggie Stephenson on February 2, 1932, in Chattanooga, TN. Buddy, was a talented trumpet player, who attended Clark Atlanta University and majored in pre-med. After graduating from Clark Atlanta University, Buddy was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. After serving his country, Buddy was honorably discharged from the US Army receiving the National Defense Service Medal. Buddy alongside his immediate family relocated to southern California quickly establishing his roots. Buddy, wanting to start his own family, married the love of his life, Kathleen Gere. During this time, Buddy decided to return to school, attending California State University, Los Angeles to obtain a degree in accounting and continuing on to obtain his CPA. Education was always important to Buddy; he obtained his degree in accounting while working two jobs to support his young family. Buddy went on to have a successful entrepreneur career in the automobile industry. After a few years of retirement, Buddy went on to have a 19-year career with Homeland Security retiring at the age of 89.

Buddy is survived by his four children, Gina Golden, Lisa Ruggieri, Albert Stephenson III and Anthony Stephenson. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Antionette, Crystal, Shyanne, Joshua, Isaiah, Julia, Xavier, Savannah, Sean and Alarra and one great-grandchild, Amira. Buddy is also survived by his niece, Vickie.

Buddy had a love for watching sports, some of his favorite teams include Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, University of Tennessee and boxers Mohamed Ali, Joe Frazier and George Foreman. He was also dedicated and enthusiastic about giving back through the Catholic Church, from sponsoring children in economically disadvantaged countries to being a member of Knights of Columbus, Indian Y Guides and Ushering every Sunday. Buddy was also dedicated to his children, he coached his sons team sports, enjoyed watching his daughters pass their self-defense karate class and the many dance recitals. Buddy never missed a Daddy Daughter Cotillion Ball in spite of his long work hours. Buddy was well liked, with a great sense of humor, and could have a meaningful conversation with anyone. He never met a stranger he did not like.

Buddy’s family will host celebration of life Visitation on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 5:00 PM at Kraeer Funeral Homes, 1655 N University Dr, Coral Springs, FL 33071 and his funeral mass on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Saint Andrew Catholic Church, 9950 NW 29th St, Coral Springs, FL 33065

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraeercoralsprings.com for the Stephenson family.