Stephen L. Reese died unexpectedly on January 6, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica , NY. He was born on April 8, 1939 in Norwich, NY, the son of Kenneth Reese and Bernice Wilber Reese Wygant. He graduated from Sherburne High School and attended Cortland State College. He became an ordained minister in 1963. Stephen was currently serving as Senior Pastor at the Columbus Community Church, Columbus, NY, a position he has held since 1982.
Survivors include his partner, Louis T. Haddad of Leonardsville, daughters, Betsey Baio, New Berlin and Stephanie Reese,VA; grandchildren, Rosario Baio, Pietra Yazzo, Francesca Baio; and a special grandson, Gabriel Foti. He also leaves sisters Elaine(Reese) and Wesley Aldrich, NC and Marlene(Reese)and David Dickinson, NC.; brothers Kenneth Reese and Carol Caine, MA, and Thomas and Linda Reese, FL. He also leaves his beloved feline companion, Symeon.
A Memorial Service will be held at Columbus Community Church on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 12:00. Calling hours from 11:00 until the start of the service. Donations in his memory may be made to the Columbus Community Church, 4311 State Highway 80, New Berlin, NY,13411.
To send online condolences visit www.ottmanfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were entrusted to the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley, NY.