ALEXANDER H. STERN
OXFORD – Alexander H. Stern, 77, a resident of the New York State Veterans Home at Oxford for the past twelve years, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2014.
Alex was born on Nov. 26, 1936 in Berlin, Germany. He emigrated to La Paz, Bolivia in 1939 with his parents Bertram and Ilse (Stahl) Stern and sister, Evelyn. The family arrived in United States in 1946 and settled in the Astoria in Queens, New York City.
Alex graduated from Long Island City High School in 1955 where played violin, was member of the school gymnastic team and was noted to be an all-around athlete. After graduation, Alex was employed at The Dreyfus Corporation as a draftsman. Wanting to provide a better life for his young family, he moved to Oxford and worked at the Tax Map department for Chenango County in the early 1970’s. He was able to realize his goal of becoming a business owner and operator of the Sunshine Press in Oxford in 1973. He ran a successful business for several years until health issues arose. Following the closure of his business, Alex worked as a pressman for the Evening Sun and Raymond Corp.
Alex left us with many memories; the rare occasions he played the violin or his Hohner harmonica. He enjoyed the outdoors, skiing in his youth and softball at family gatherings. Alex could be seen riding his bicycle all over Norwich and as his legs failed him, he would ride his mobility scooter about town with cup of coffee in tow. He showed his family that hard work and determination could help you realize your goals. Later in life he took up woodworking making toys for his grandchild. He will always be remembered for his smile and sense of humor.
Alex is survived by his children Ingrid Stern Little of Endicott; Matthew Stern and wife Serena of Redmond, OR; Oscar Stern and wife Kate Baldus of Brooklyn, Lance Stern and wife Julie of Hamburg and Emma Joy Kelley and husband Jimmy of Bend, OR. Also surviving are his sister Evelyn R. Eberhart of Norwich; his grandchildren Clifford Robert, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Cameron, Cassady, Cali, and Lucian; his nephews Mark C. Eberhart and wife Jeanmarie and Paul O. Eberhart and wife Wendy. Several great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins also survive.
A memorial service for Alex will be held on Sat., Aug. 2, at 10 a.m. from the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home. The family will gather at the Community Room, Golden Age Apartments at 33 Mechanic St. in Norwich after the memorial service. Interment will be at a later date in the Mt. Hope Cemetery of Norwich.
Alex’s family would like to thank everyone at the New York State Veterans Home for the wonderful care given to our dad, brother and uncle during his years at the Vets Home. He was truly blessed.