Obituary of Stephen J. Hoover

WARRENSBURG: Stephen James Hoover, 85, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024 at Elderwood North Creek.

Stephen was born during a snow storm on January 30, 1939 in Albany, NY to the late William D. and Maxine (Earl) Hoover.

Stephen grew up in Altamont, NY and graduated high school from Guilderland High School. Education was of great importance to Stephen. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Hartwick College in 1962, a Master’s degree from Castleton State College in 1983, and a Doctorate from Ashwood University in 2004. His love for learning was matched by his passion for teaching. Stephen began his career as a science instructor at Pine Valley Central School and Burlington High School in Vermont from 1962 to 1969. From 1970 to 1994, he taught Biology and Chemistry at South Glens Falls High School, where he also served as adjunct faculty at Adirondack Community College and Castleton State College. Stephen retired from teaching in 2011, proud of his contributions to the field of botany, including the publication of over 10 research papers.

When not teaching or writing, Stephen was an active volunteer firefighter and EMS member with the Argyle Fire Department from 1972 to 1994, serving as fire warden and company president in 1987.  Stephen's passion for the skiing community was evident in his long-standing involvement with the National Ski Patrol, where he held the titles of Patrol Director and Assistant Patrol Director. He also served with the World Cup Ski Patrol, Adirondack Ski Club, and as Assistant Chief of Equipment for the 1980 Winter Olympics. Additionally, Stephen was a World Cup and U.S. Alpine Nationals Course Judge, and served on the board of directors at Hickory Ski Center.

Stephen received numerous honors throughout his life, including recognition in the NY All-State Chorus, Who’s Who in American Universities, and Who’s Who Among American Teachers in 1994 and 1996. He was a National Science Fellow at both the University of Minnesota and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a member of the Tri Beta Biological Honor Society, and was named Outstanding Young Educator in Fairfax, VT. In 2014, he was honored as Man of the Year.

Besides his parents, Stephen is predeceased by brothers William Jr. and infant Peter Hoover and daughter Elizabeth Hoover.

He is survived by the love of his life, Carol Rose and daughters Kalista (William) Dubiel and Sarah (Walter) Barnum; grandchildren Dr. Lillian Dubiel, Charlotte Dubiel, William E. Dubiel and Maeve and Lydia Barnum; 3 great grandchildren; siblings Michael Hoover of Glens Falls, Robert (Karen) Hoover of Averil Park; Christine Greene of Buffalo, NY and Catherine (Albert) Smith of Kunkellville, PA; his extended family David Carll, Daniel Carll, Stephanie Melendez, James (Salina) Carll, Joseph (Sandy) Carll; 11 step grandchildren over 20 nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Stephen’s family from 3pm – 5pm, Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg, NY. A memorial service will be conducted following visitation at 5pm.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences, guest book and directions.