Obituary of Stephen J. Shpur

Stephen Joseph Shpur, 79, of Kinderhook, NY, passed away on March 19, 2024, surrounded by family members at Albany Medical Center. Born on June 10, 1944, in Detroit, MI, to Gerald and Dorothy Shpur, Steve lived a life defined by dedication, love, and joy. After graduating from Port Henry High School in 1962, Steve pursued his passion for education, obtaining both bachelor's and master's degrees in physical education from the State University of New York College at Cortland. His professional journey spanned over three decades, which started off with being a physical education instructor at Crown Point High School for three years before dedicating 30 years to Ichabod Crane Central School, where he was cherished as a teacher, coach, and mentor. While Steve found fulfillment in his career, he had many personal pursuits. Steve was a long time member of the Kinderhook Reformed Church. He served as an usher and volunteered on several committees. Steve took delight in the simple pleasures of bird watching, coin collecting and fishing. He was a dedicated fan of the Detroit Lions, Tigers and Red Wings. Steve is well known around town for his love of Necco Wafers, and sharing Smarties with his grandchildren. But his greatest joy came from sharing life's moments with his beloved wife, Janet. Together, they celebrated 57 years of marriage, creating countless cherished memories and enjoying their six remarkable grandchildren. Survived by his loving wife, Janet, Steve leaves behind a legacy of love and guidance through his sons and daughters-in-law: Russ and Alicia (Simonetti) of East Cannan, CT, Jason and Christy (Seebode) of Queensbury, NY, and Andy and Kerri (Martinovich) of Oxford, FL, as well as his grandchildren: Jacob, Caleb, Benjamin, Joshua, Katelyn and Emily. Additionally, Steve is survived by his brother, Gerald Shpur, his sister, Bonnie (Richard) Bruce, brothers Tim (Jill) Shpur and Tom (Sue) Shpur, sister Joanne (Floyd) Shappy and sister-in-law Ann (Gus) Harris. He is also survived by nieces Katie, Chrissy, Heather, Kerri, Tara, Danielle, and nephews Jeremy, Jed, Taylor, Ryan, Travis, and Tristan. He will also be sadly missed by his pet cats Buddy and Miggy. Steve was preceded in death by his brother Michael Shpur, sister-in-law Jeanne Shpur, nephews Jared Shpur and Christopher Shpur, niece Kristi Shpur, mother Dorothy Shpur, father Gerald Shpur, mother-in-law Isabelle Hasselbach, and father-in-law Richard Hasselbach. There will be a celebration of life for the family to be planned at a later date.