May 5, 1934 - May 24, 2025
Stephen L. Norris, 91, passed away peacefully May 24, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on May 5, 1934, to the late Charles Norris and Margaret (Currier) Leeson. He graduated from Sherwood High School and spent most of his life in Central New York, which he called the most beautiful place in the world. Stephen served our Nation as a United States Marine during the Korean War, and worked for the NYS Department of Corrections for 35 years. Most of that career was spent in Auburn, but he also worked at Attica, Elmira and Fishkill, among others. He finished his career as First Deputy Superintendent at Collins Correctional Facility in 1994.
Steve grew up before television and boasted he was reading by the age of 4, thanks to his grandmother Anna. He was an avid reader, and in later years a big fan of Jeopardy, classic movies and the latest in computers and digital photography. He became the keeper of digital photographs and family history. This was a long way from doing his homework by kerosene lamp in high school because electricity had not made it to his country home in Scipio. He proudly graduated from Cayuga Community College at the age of 44. Before the internet, he was everyone's "phone a friend" for quick facts.
Steve was proud to raise his family in the same community where he grew up, and loved the fact that four of his six children were born in the same hospital as him, Auburn Mercy Hospital. He graduated as class president from Sherwood High School in 1952, and was happy to attend as many reunions as possible. Most recently he joined two of his closest friends, Allyn Smith and Bill Cox at their 70 year reunion, along with four other of the original 18 in the class.
While serving in the Marine Corps, Steve toured on the USS Champlain throughout the Western Pacific, around the Mediterranean Sea, and earned the title of Trusty Shellback. This was awarded at the Equatorial line crossing ceremony held by the "Court of Neptune into the Mysteries of the Deep." The Marine Corps introduced Steve to a love of travel. He especially loved England and Ireland, where he researched his family tree. His proudest adventure was the trip he took to China to be part of the "gotcha" day of his great-granddaughter, Laura. He instilled this love of travel in his children and grandchildren, and lived vicariously through their stories and photographs. He loved that his descendants have set foot on every continent except Antarctica!
During the years Steve raised his family in Scipio, he and his first wife Eileen gardened enough vegetables to sustain the family of eight for the winter. They bred German Shepherd puppies, and spent spare time at their camp on Owasco Lake, boating and water skiing. They also enjoyed long trips with the family to historic sites or camping in Canada.
In retirement, Steve was the number one fan for many of his grandchildren's athletic events. He was affectionately known as Grampa Norris by team members from T-Ball to college sports. He rarely held a conversation that didn't include bragging about his grandchildren's academic and athletic accomplishments.
In 2024, Steve was joined in celebration of his 90th birthday by his sister, 4 children, 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and a niece and nephew. Having never forgotten a birthday for anyone, it was a blessing for most of his family to be by his side.
Steve was preceded in death by his wife Nancy (Pullman), and his oldest son, Allyn.
He is survived by five children, David (Terri) of Morristown TN, Walter of Waverly NY, Edward of Auburn NY, Charles (Darlene) of Salem NY and Kate Parry of Camillus NY; ten grandchildren: Bryan (Jenna) Norris, Lena Norris, Jeff (Chrissy) Norris, Clara (Robert) Dietel, Adam (Crystal) Norris, Lisa (Doug) Babcock, Kayla (Josh) Stiller, Turner (Nicole) Parry, Brett (Cortney) Parry and Emma (JR) Parry; 17 great- grandchildren: Daniel, Tommy, Laura, Brock, Kaleb, Misha, Caroline, Sophie, William, Katherine, Patrick, Ronan, Philip, Natalie, Teagan, Amelia and Aurora; step grandchildren Rachel Carmon and family and Rustin Hartley; sister Jean Gadsby of Auburn NY, Nancy's children and families, and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be Sunday, June 1st, 2:00-5:00 p.m., at Brew Funeral Home, Auburn NY. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church in Aurora NY on Monday, June 2nd at 11:00a.m., with a graveside service with military honors at Saint Bernard Cemetery in Scipio Center.
Instead of sending flowers, Steve would want you to give a bouquet to someone close to you. If desired, contributions may be made to the Special Olympics of New York, 94 New Karner Road, Suite 208 Albany, NY 12203.
