Columbus Community Church

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 Ken...neth 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 since1982. 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. Stephen was involved in many community and civic organizations. He was currently President of the South Brookfield Cemetery. He was Past President of the St. David Society, the Madison County Fair and the Madison County branch of the American Cancer Society. He was instrumental in procuring speakers and educational programs for the area, the most famous being Maria Von Trapp of "The Sound of Music" fame. Stephen was a collector of antiques and enjoyed traveling to antique shops and shows. He had a special place in his heart for the state of Vermont, which he visited often. He loved theater and music and visited the Shaw Festival in Canada, the Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, the concerts at the Horned Dorset in Leonardsville and many other venues. Foremost in his life was shepherding his church family. He performed countless funerals, weddings and baptisms over the years. He was a voracious reader and had a keen interest in history and local and national politics. He took great pride in his home in Leonardsville and tended the lawn and gardens with great care. Guests were always welcome. Louis and he hosted brunches, church garage sales, family gatherings, open houses, holiday dinners and many informal gatherings. 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. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley, NY.

Leviticus 19: 33-34 [NIV] 33: "When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them . 34: The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born . Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt . I am the Lord your God" .

PLEASE CHURCH FAMILY, PRAY FOR MY FRIEND MiKE DAVIS!!!! HE HAS SURGERY TO REMOVE HIS KIDNEY AND TAKE A BIOPSY OFF HIS LIVER. HE GOT CANCER FROM HIS TIME IN THE MARINES, AND THE POLLUTED WATER. SURGERY IS TOMORROW!!!!

Great to be back to hear the beautiful voices