Robert Michael Stephens, beloved son, husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at the age of 72. He was affectionally, known as Michael and was born on April 23, 1953, in Columbus, Ohio. He was the second eldest of four children born to the union of Lawerence Garel, Sr. and Anna Marie Hill Stephens. Raised in Columbus, he attended Highland Avenue Elementary, Westmoor Junior High, and graduated from West High School.

Michael’s independent, adventurous, and slightly rebellious spirit led him to join the United States Marine Corps immediately after high school. His tenacity and determination helped him complete his Boot Camp training in three months from Parris Island, SC (where the “real” Marines are forged) as one of only 45 Marines out of a platoon of 150. His occupational specialty was in the aviation field, working with aircraft electronics; specifically Avionics Specialist for the Marine Corps Attack Helicopter Squadron. His expertise earned him the rank of Sergeant. He also served on the “Quick Reaction Team” spending a lot of his time touring the world via naval aircraft carriers, as an Avionic Specialist. He was also selected for an officer training program, BOOST in San Diego, California. After his first enlistment, Michael spent one winter in his home state of Ohio and then famously re-enlisted to return to Camp Pendleton. He then went on to complete 8-years of service with the United States Marine Corps and finished his military career in 1979.

After his honorable discharge from the service, Michael moved to Hollywood, CA and worked for the House Hearing Institute making hearing aids. Michael lived with his cousin and was surrounded by Marine buddies and close friends. Michael enjoyed his time being a bachelor in SoCal. He made many great memories, had many unforgettable parties, creating and retelling stories that will last a lifetime. Visiting the gun range was also a regular part of the Hollywood gang’s entertainment. Michael having the slight advantage since he earned the distinction of “Expert Marksmanship” in the Marines.

In 1984 a mutual friend introduced Michael to the love of his life Angela Rene Bland . After a long and heartfelt courtship, they married on November 25th, 1989 and shortly after welcomed two children into the world: Simone Renee in 1993 and Zachary Michael in 1995. Although Michael was a hard worker, he always looked forward to family vacations. Many great memories were made on ski trips to Mammoth, camping on the beach, anniversary cruises and visiting family in Ohio and Virginia. Michael also organized weekly beachside bike rides enjoying the combination of exercise, outdoors and family time.

Michael took advantage of the GI Bill and went to college, earning his Associate of Science in Laser Electro Optics and later earning his Bachelors and Master’s of Science in Applied Computer Science and Technology. Throughout his life Michael had a diverse set of jobs such as: Adjunct faculty member for National University and El Camino College, Client Services Manager for Universal Studios, Director of Information Technology for CBE Technology, Assistant Vice President for Abraham Lincoln University and was even part of the dot-com era, working with his uncle at Shazzaam.com as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Additionally, he had a long, illustrious career with Northrop Grumman for 16 years, working as an electrical engineer specializing in Electro Laser Optics. Michael eventually finished his career, retiring from the State of California as an IT Manager in December 2023.

Michael enjoyed his retirement to the fullest. He spent time with his growing family, and his many hobbies such as: drone piloting, coin collecting, and cooking for family. Building and fixing his ever-rotating deck of cars earned him the moniker of “Mike’s Chop Shop” to family and friends in Ohio. Michael was a gifted mechanic. He loved working with his hands and shared that passion generously by helping family and friends with their vehicles and home projects, never asking for anything in return. Just prior to retirement, Michael built a backyard shed at the family’s home in Carson and outfitted it as a comfortable “mancave”. Many an evening was spent relaxing to the sound of instrumental jazz. When he was not listening to music or watching movies, he enjoyed spending time with friends and sharing stories, often with an adult beverage in hand. Michael loved friendly competitions of dominoes and Boggle, always playing for bragging rights, and he cherished the occasional fishing trip with his homies.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence G. Stephens Sr. Robert Michael Stephens leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 35 years, Angela; daughter Simone; son Zachary (Rochelle); mother Anna Marie; brothers Lawrence G. Stephens Jr. (Beverly) and Howard L. Stephens; sister Peggi A. Galloway (Rodney); and host of loving uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.

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