Stephen Joel Paris, a prominent Boston attorney, devoted family man, and longtime supporter of the insurance community, passed away on September 25, 2026, at the age of 87.
Early Life and Education
Born in Boston on November 6, 1938, Steve grew up in Brighton and Newton. He attended Boston Latin High School, graduated from Newton High School, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from UMass Amherst in 1960. He received his Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School in 1963.
On December 24, 1961, Steve married his beloved wife, Roberta “Bobbi” Bernstein. Together, they built a life defined by family, commitment, and partnership, sharing nearly 65 years of marriage.
A Distinguished Legal and Insurance Career
Steve enjoyed a distinguished legal career spanning 57 years. He spent more than four decades at the Boston law firm of Morrison, Mahoney & Miller, where he served for many years as Managing Partner. He later completed his legal career as General Counsel of Lexington Insurance Company.
Highly regarded both locally and nationally in the legal and insurance communities, Steve was a true lawyer’s lawyer. During his career, he served as President of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (CPCU) Association and the Defense Research Institute, a national organization of attorneys; Chairman of the Insurance Institute at Northeastern University; and President and Trustee of The Insurance Library of Boston. He was also a distinguished member of Lloyd’s of London.
A Strong Supporter of The Insurance Library
Steve was a strong supporter of The Insurance Library and its mission, and his service as both President and Trustee reflected his longstanding commitment to insurance education and the profession.
He also traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally as a highly sought-after speaker before many legal and insurance organizations.
Family, Friends and a Wide Range of Interests
Outside his professional life, Steve pursued a wide range of interests and was known for his wonderful, dry sense of humor. An avid joke teller, he brought quick wit to every conversation. He was a licensed private pilot, a pursuit he chose to give up when his granddaughter Sophie was born so he could devote more time to his growing family.
Over the years, Steve could be found skiing, running regularly with his dear friends Gerry Friedman and Freddie Andelman, or playing tennis with his college friend Bob Margil. He enjoyed playing bridge with Bobbi and their dear friends Freddie and Judy Andelman, unwinding with his favorite cooking shows, and listening to Frank Sinatra. He also “enjoyed” playing golf, always trying to improve!
Above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.
Family and Memorial Services
Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Bobbi; his brother, Len Paris; his three children, Josh Paris (Tanya), Matt Paris (Dena), and Jen Paris Capute (Todd); and his six grandchildren, Evan, Camila, Sophie, Lydia, Charlie, and Sarah.
Services were held at Levine Chapel in Brookline on Monday, September 28, with burial following at Sharon Memorial Park. The family is observing shiva on September 28 and September 29 at the home of Josh and Tanya Paris.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephen’s memory may be made to The Insurance Library of Boston, Las Margaritas Foundation, or Better Health for Africa.
Mr. Paris’s obituary first appeared on the Levine Chapel’s website and can be viewed here.
