Stephen Frink Dana III

Stephen Frink Dana III died peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, October 1, 2025 surrounded by family at his residence at the Knolls of Oxford. He was 86 years old. Born in Cincinnati on May 16, 1939 to Stephen Frink Dana II and Emily Hawley Dana, Stephen attended the Taft School in Watertown, CT, and Walnut Hills High School  before earning his bachelor’s degree in 1961 from Princeton University. Throughout his life, Stephen used his time, talent, and treasure to participate in, and engage with, a wide variety of civic activities and community initiatives. He proudly served on the planning commission and Oxford city council, and cherished his connections with the state and local League of Women Voters, the Oxford NAACP, the Oxford Choice Food Pantry, MOON Co-Op, and the Uptown Farmers’ Market. Stephen was a colorful and vibrant member of the community, and to those who knew him well, he will be remembered for his dedication to his late wife, Prue, his generosity and support for those in need, and his commitment to living an impactful and meaningful life on his own terms. As the popular saying goes: “Sing like no one is listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like no one is watching, and live like it is heaven on earth.” That was Steve. Stephen is preceded in death by his parents Stephen F. Dana II and Emily Hawley Dana, wife Prudence Z. Dana, and brother-in-law Peter Bruell. He is survived by his sister Emilie Dana Bruell (West Sussex, England), nephews Charles, John, and George Bruell, and step-sons Ephraim and Erik Zimmerman. A memorial service for Stephen and interment will be held at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that all gifts be sent to the Prudence Dana Memorial Diabetes Education Fund at McCullough-Hyde Hospital, the Oxford League of Women Voters, and the Three Valley Conservation Trust.

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