Stephen M. DePhillips

Stephen M. DePhillips, known to many as Steve, passed away peacefully at 83 years of age on June 7th, 2026 in his home in Waldwick, New Jersey.  Steve was a devoted husband, loving father, beloved brother, uncle, cousin, cherished friend and faithful servant of Christ.

Steve was born November 8, 1942 in Teaneck, New Jersey and graduated from Teaneck High School. He was a musician: he played guitar and sang throughout his life. He made two records under the pseudonym Peter Dayton and an album as part of the band, The Wind in the Willows. Later, he worked as a post-production engineer for ABC television. He was an animal lover who took in stray cats when he lived in New York City and befriended all the neighborhood dogs on Hudson Ave in Waldwick. Throughout his life he was an active member of his church, St. Luke's in Ho-Ho-Kus.

In recent years, Steve became a regular at the luncheonette (The Empire II Diner) in Waldwick where you could find him drinking his daily cup of coffee and reading the newspaper.  He also volunteered for the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and delivered flowers at his daughters flower shop. 

Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Mary, daughters Lauren, and her husband Dennis Mitchell, and Jeannine, and her husband Robert O'Donnell, siblings Mary Ellen Boozer, Anthony (Tony) and Rene, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, August A. and Irene DePhillips, and brother August S. DePhillips.

Most of all, Steve will be remembered for his gentle soul and his kindness to family, friends and strangers alike. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 6 PM - 9 PM at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Avenue, Ramsey. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 10 AM at St. Luke's RC Church in Ho-Ho-Kus. Interment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah.  

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to make a donation in his honor to St. Luke's RC Church of Ho-Ho-Kus www.churchofstluke.org or the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra www.bergenphilharmonic.org.

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