Stephen Earl Winters

Albany- Stephen Earl Winters, 63, died suddenly on January 1, 2021. Stephen was born on September 24th, 1957 in Texas to Claude and Evelyn “Carol” Winters and raised in Oklahoma and North Carolina. Stephen attended the University at Albany as an undergraduate and graduate student, receiving a graduate degree in Social Work.

Stephen was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was the past Executive Director at both the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless and the South End Improvement Corporation. He was a past president of the Second Avenue Neighborhood Association. He volunteered with many community organizations including the Honest Weight Food Co-op, the League of Women Voters, United Tenants of Albany, FOCUS Churches, MOMS Demand Action, Friends of Schuyler Mansion, and many others.  He was a Dachshund enthusiast and an officer of several dog clubs including the Stewards Club of Upstate NY. His hobbies included gardening, bird watching, sharing homemade meals and caring for his loving cat Otis. 

In both his professional career and volunteer service, Stephen was an advocate for the less fortunate and underserved people in our community. Stephen was not afraid of getting into “good trouble,” raising concerns with elected officials or asking business owners to step up to the plate for those in need. Stephen was the consummate example of a “community activist” and his work has left a lasting impact on our community.

Stephen is survived by his sister Leatha Thomas and brother James (Elizabeth) Winters, as well as his niece Alexandra and nephews Kevin (Sara) and Jeremy.  He has several great nieces and nephews, Everett, Ellie, Eli and Evan. In addition to his parents, Stephen is predeceased by his brother Russell and his brother-in-law Michael. Stephen leaves behind a large circle of loving and caring friends. 

Stephen’s friends and family would like to thank those who loved and cared for Steve and shared his passion in caring for others. He has left us too soon. Stephen will be interred at the Gerald B.H. Solomon, Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville, NY 12871 on Friday, February 26th at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the FOCUS Food Pantry or the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless. A memorial service to celebrate Stephen’s life and good work will be held at a later date. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen Earl Winters, please visit our floral store.