Dr. Stephen W. Klyce died peacefully in Wilmington, Delaware on January 31, 2026, at the age of 93. He was born in Flint, Michigan on March 13, 1932.

He is survived by his children, Lauranne Gordon, David Klyce, and Juli Briskman, and by his grandchildren, Anna Klyce, Brandon Klyce, Jordan Briskman, and Jacob Briskman. He was predeceased by his parents, Julie Klyce and William Klyce, his brother, Bill Klyce, his sister, Julie Galbreath, and his grandchildren, Ryan Tremblay and Claire Tremblay.

Stephen was a highly educated, classically trained musician whose life was shaped by music, faith, and a deep commitment to learning. His musical training began early, first with piano lessons in childhood and later with formal study of the pipe organ as a teenager. By his late teens, he was already playing full church services and serving as a substitute organist in the Detroit area.

He earned a Bachelor of Music from Michigan State University and a Master of Sacred Music from Union Theological Seminary in New York. From 1956 to 1958, Stephen served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Specialist Third Class. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, where he worked as a chaplain assistant. Following an honorable discharge, he continued his education, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Sacred Music from Indiana University and later a Master of Divinity from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. His studies were supported in part by scholarships, and he supplemented his education through part time work, including assisting an organ builder. He was also awarded a Fulbright Fellowship, which enabled him to study music in Germany.

Stephen devoted himself primarily to church music, choral conducting, organ and piano performance, accompaniment, and teaching. Over the course of his life, he served congregations, schools, and colleges in a wide range of roles, including organist, choir director, cantor, accompanist, and music instructor. He was especially drawn to the pipe organ for its range, power, and expressive depth, and he remained fascinated by its complexity throughout his life. He played the organ regularly in church from the age of 17 through the age of 92, including the final ten years at Frankford Presbyterian Church in Frankford, Delaware, where a plaque will be erected in recognition of his unique talents and service.

Stephen lived throughout the northeastern United States, including Michigan, Ohio, New York, New Hampshire, and Kentucky. His musical life reflected a wide range of experiences in church, academic, and related settings. During periods when music positions were not available, he worked in sales and business roles while continuing to pursue music as his central vocation. In 1988, he moved to the Kansas City area, where he lived for six years before returning east to Delaware in 1994 to be closer to his children.

In 1996, he purchased a home in Dagsboro that he named Woodspring, inspired by the creek that bordered the back of the property. Woodspring became a place of independence and reflection, where he lived until 2025. He came to value Sussex County for its slower pace and strong church community, remained musically active throughout the region for many years, and enjoyed time at the Atlantic Ocean, particularly at Bethany Beach, where he liked to relax on the boardwalk and reflect.

Stephen remained active and mobile well into later life and was especially committed to traveling to visit his children and grandchildren. His mind remained remarkably sharp until his final days, a quality he valued deeply. Beyond music, he enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He had a fondness for sweets, especially ice cream, and he regularly enjoyed hot coffee with cream and sugar. He also loved cold drinks, always with ice, including root beer and raspberry lemonade. He liked watching and attending sporting events such as basketball and baseball games and valued social connection through reunions, often traveling long distances to attend them, and he organized some himself.

A thoughtful and careful writer, Stephen kept diaries and personal notes throughout his life. He also maintained detailed family records, taking care to document photographs, papers, and correspondence. He had a strong interest in genealogy and believed in preserving family history with clarity and care for those who would come after him.

Stephen was open about his journey in recovery, having taken his last drink in February 12, 1987. He remained active in the Alcoholics Anonymous community, where his long term commitment to the program and sobriety encouraged and inspired many. In recognition of his impact, members of his AA community initiated a Remembrance and Sharing Open House to be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, 110 West State Street in Millsboro, where his home group meets regularly.

Stephen's life was marked by education, perseverance, fierce independence, and connection. He will be remembered always for his devotion to music, his clarity of mind, and the quiet, intentional ways he built and sustained community.

A committal service will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Delaware. A gathering will follow at Bob Evans in Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

The Atlantic Club of Ocean City, Maryland
PO BOX 563
Ocean City, MD 21842

Frankford Presbyterian Church
PO Box 548
Frankford, DE 19945
Phone: (302) 732‑6774