Stephen Moser Jr. 1945-2024

MIDDLETOWN SPRINGS, Vt. — Stephen Moser Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, in Rutland, Vermont.

Born Oct. 26, 1945, in The Bronx, New York, Steve was the fourth of five children of Stephen Moser Sr. and Mary Popp Moser.

Steve was a programmer and data processor in the early days of computers, before anyone had heard of a PC. He loved to tell stories about family, especially around a warm fire, and he had a sharp, dry wit. Despite his techie professional background, he was an outdoorsman at heart, with a passion for fishing, hunting, camping, and teaching these skills to both children and adults. He enjoyed camping and fishing trips with his family when his four children were young. He spent years as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout master and was a strong advocate for the preservation of the Greenbelt, Pouch Camp and Pine Oak Woods on Staten Island.

Coaching baseball and softball for Sailor Snug Harbor Little League was another way that he engaged youth in his community; he also served there for a time as director of field maintenance. He was appreciated for always being willing to lend a helping hand.

While living in Youngstown, Steve continued his involvement with the Boy Scouts for a time. He became a licensed firearms safety instructor, and was a member of the Vienna Fish and Game Sportsman’s Club for over 25 years. He loved traveling with his friends to visit various sportsman’s club events, gun and military shows, antique firearm shows and flea markets, always trying to find the local greasy spoon restaurant in hopes of sampling their fare.

He followed his Catholic faith, and in his father’s and older brothers’ footsteps, by joining the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 274, eventually achieving 4th Degree Knighthood.

He considered himself a patriot and volunteered as a poll worker for the Mahoning County Board of Elections. He participated in Drivers for Hire, helping to keep drunken drivers off the roads in his community.

He adored his dogs Jack and Kris, and would visit dog shelters and donate dog food.

Steve is survived by his four children, Rosemary Moser (Gene Bertsche) of Middletown Springs, Vermont; Theresa Moser (James Loprest) of Brooklyn, New York; Lisa (Glenn) Ford of Stroudsburg, Pa.; and Stephen (Amy) Moser of Hazlet, New Jersey; their mother, his former wife Mary Moser, of Staten Island, New York; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He also leaves behind Shirley Mortellaro and her daughter, Aleisa (Charles) Drivere of Youngstown, her daughter, Melissa (Peter) Crowell of Flower Mound, Texas; Melissa and Peter’s four children; and many dear friends, especially Larry Zackeroff of Youngstown.

Steve supported various charities, and continued to give even in death as a tissue donor. Private viewing and cremation services were provided by Aldous Funeral Home of Rutland.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a later date.

In his memory, please consider donating to one of his favorite charities, Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boy Scouts of America, the Greenbelt Conservancy or Knights of Columbus.

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