FISHKILL - Stephen John Shumway, a local area resident since 1973, passed away suddenly at his home in Fishkill, NY on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. He was 77.

Son of the late John and Dorothy (Ott) Shumway, he was born in Endicott, NY on September 24, 1947. Raised in Owego, NY, he graduated from Owego Free Academy in 1966 and soon after was drafted into the U.S. Army. Stephen served as a combat medic during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged from active service in 1968. He then served in the US Army Reserve until 1972.

On June 15th, 1969, Stephen married Diane Mauritz and they made their home in the Hudson Valley. Although they were no longer married, they remained friends. Stephen worked for Reader's Digest in Pleasantville, NY and retired as a Director in 1999 and still maintained his friendships. He was an active member of VFW Post #1286, where he held several leadership positions and assisted with organizing many community events for Veterans. He volunteered for the East Fishkill Soccer Club, where he ran the concession stand for many years and taught the children how to count change and run the stand.

Stephen was a regular at The Bagel Shoppe in Fishkill, where he gathered with friends on a daily basis. Steve enjoyed studying genealogy and compiled a database of his family tracing back to the 1600's. More than anything else, however, he truly cherished being a father and grandfather and spending time with his very large family. Before he lost his ability to drive, Stephen traveled all over the country to watch his children play sports and fed them a steady stream of Bob Dylan music along the way.

Steve will be missed for his wonderful sense of humor which matched with his self-professed, "stunning blue eyes". Oftentimes, he would not laugh at his jokes but the twinkle in his eyes gave away his joy. He was able to charm and befriend many when at the Bagel Shoppe or with the medical staff during his various health challenges. If one was not amused by his jokes, he would certainly impress them with his ability to recite The Gettysburg Address by heart.

Left behind to cherish his memories include his children and their spouses: Jennifer Marion (Steven), John Shumway (Frances), Justin Shumway (Elissa), and Sarah Husted (William); his grandchildren: Grace Marion, Jack Marion, Kyle Husted, Norah Husted, Matthew Shumway, and Daniel Husted; his sister, Dorothy Corbin; his friend and former wife, Diane Shumway; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives & friends.

Stephen was predeceased by his parents as well as his brother, Charles Shumway.

The family would like to thank his various health care providers throughout the years who took exceptional care of him and to his second family at The Bagel Shoppe who loved him so.

Now he belongs to the ages.

Calling hours will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 10 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY. The funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Veterans Day, November 11 at the funeral home. A graveside service with Military Honors will follow at Fishkill Rural Cemetery, 801 Route 9, Fishkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VetZero, 313 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation, 51-55 Route 9W North, Building 14, West Haverstraw, New York 10993 (www.helenhayesfoundation.com).

For online tributes, visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.