Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens Dies at 99

187 July 17, 2019 | by Cheryl Kahla

U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens – the third longest-serving Justice in the history of the Supreme Court – died at the age of 99.

Stevens passed away at the Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, after suffering a stroke two days ago. The court said in a statement:

"On behalf of the Court and retired Justices, I am saddened to report that our colleague Justice John Paul Stevens has passed away."

They don’t make ‘em like Justice John Paul Stevens anymore. May he rest in peace and his legacy in the law endure.

Here’s a picture of him wearing short sleeves at 99 and living his best life. pic.twitter.com/SKf40370k9
— Cristian Farias (@cristianafarias) July 17, 2019

According to the statements, his daughters Elizabeth Jane Sesemann and Susan Roberta Mullen were by his side.

Stevens served as Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1975 to 2010, when he retired after more than three decades.

He was a registered Republican before being appointed as Justice but refrained from discussing his personal political viewpoint after his appointment was made.

Wildly unusual things the Republican-appointed Justice John Paul Stevens did in retirement:

-Called for the repeal of the Second Amendment

-Called on the Senate to move on the stalled nomination of Merrick Garland

-Called Brett Kavanaugh unfit to serve on the Supreme Court
— Cristian Farias (@cristianafarias) July 17, 2019

Sad news. RIP Justice John Paul Stevens, our third longest serving Justice. pic.twitter.com/mJgHJqNcdv
— Andy Slavitt (@ASlavitt) July 17, 2019

According to NBC News, Stevens could be described as a "moderate conservative" who supported a strong separation of church and state.

In addition, Stevens advocated for gun control and challenged major gun control law. He wrote an op-ed in 2018 calling for the end of gun violence.

Following the Stoneman Douglas High School massacre, Stevens referred to the 2nd Amendment as "a relic of the 18th Century."

John Paul Stevens was a passionate voice for justice on the Supreme Court. His long tenure was marked by a tireless and deeply-held belief in a broad vision of the American story. May he Rest In Peace.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) July 17, 2019

From breaking codes in World War II to breaking down barriers for civil rights, Justice John Paul Stevens lived up to those words above the Court: Equal Justice Under Law. Our nation was better for his service and we mourn his loss.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 17, 2019

Stevens is survived by his children, Elizabeth Jane Sesemann and Susan Roberta Mullen, nine grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Elizabeth Jane, his second wife, Maryan Mulholland, as well as his son, John Joseph, and his daughter, Kathryn,