Obituary of Howard Gerald Stephens

H. Gerald Stephens Apalachin: age 81, passed away March 2nd after an extended illness. He was predeceased by his son, Dana; his parents, Howard and Emily Stephens; a brother, William; his in-laws, Joe and Anna Ashcraft; brothers-in-law Kirk Ashcraft and Harry Gibson, and sister in-law Joy Stephens. Jerry is survived by his wife, best friend, and caregiver of 62 years, Joann, and five children, Sandra (Greg) Layton of Apalachin, Cheryl (Bob Piros) Stephens of Johnson City, Sheila (Ken Hull) Stephens of Vestal, Mark (Lisa Gould) Stephens of Endicott, and Eric (Lori) Stephens of Spencer; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his sister, Barbara Gibson and brothers Albert "Bud" and David (Dede) Stephens, all of Apalachin. Jerry grew up on the family dairy farm in South Apalachin, operated heavy equipment for his father-in-law at Ashcraft Excavating, and then retired from IBM after 31 years of employment. In 1980 Jerry proudly accomplished his life-long dream by earning his pilot's license. After his retirement he became the caretaker for "Nuthatch Hollow", a bird sanctuary in Vestal owned by Robert Schumann, and for the Schumann home. It was a job he thoroughly enjoyed. He and Joann both completed the Master Gardener course and he was instrumental in reconstructing the greenhouse at Cutler Botanic Garden. Jerry and Joann loved traveling through most of the United States (Sedona, AZ was his favorite), and Spain and England. Jerry was a hunter as a young man but never hunted again after seeing the movie "Bambi". He taught himself carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing, and used those skills to make a beautiful home. He had the ability to fix just about anything that was broken. He could do it all, but he will be remembered for so much more than that ? for being a loving husband and father. The family would like to thank the staff on South 1 at Willow Point Nursing Home for the loving care he has received there. Our special thanks to Bobby Rajic. Your special way with him was really appreciated. Expressions of sympathy in Jerry's memory may be made to the Apalachin Fire Department, who so quickly responded when he needed help. A memorial service will be held at Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home in Apalachin, NY at 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 5th. Calling hours will be from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Interment will be at the convenience of the family at Vestal Hills Cemetery. Jerry chose a mausoleum as his final resting place because he "wanted to be warm".