Stephen R. Chernay, MD, 85, passed away on January 1, 2026 after a brief illness.
Born on July 30, 1940 in Manhattan. He was the son of the late M. Henry and Eleanor Chernay. Stephen grew up in Great Neck, New York.
Dr. Chernay devoted his life to the care of children, families, and his community, serving both his country and the Hudson Valley with distinction. He earned his undergraduate degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Washington & Lee University in 1962, received his medical degree from NYU School of Medicine in 1966, and completed his internship and residency at Bellevue Hospital Center in 1969.
Following his medical training, Stephen proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he held the position of Chief of Pediatrics at the Reese Air Force Base Hospital. He served from 1969 until 1971, when he was honorably discharged.
In 1971, Dr. Chernay began his long and respected civilian medical career as a pediatrician with Mid-Hudson Medical Group, where he practiced until his retirement in 2008. For nearly four decades, he cared for generations of children, earning the trust and gratitude of countless families through his calm presence, clinical excellence, and deep compassion.
Beyond his clinical work, Stephen was deeply committed to organized medicine and public health. He served as a Delegate to the New York State Medical Society representing the Dutchess County Medical Society from 1977 through 2025, demonstrating an extraordinary dedication to physician advocacy and medical leadership over nearly five decades. He was a member of the Dutchess County Board of Health for 17 years and served as President from 1982 to 1986, contributing meaningfully to public health policy and community well-being.
On his personal time, Stephen had a passion for raising and racing thoroughbred horses and watching the New York Mets.
Stephen was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Juliana Chernay; his former wife, Kathleen Chernay, his children, Melissa Wojcik and Matthew Chernay; his stepchildren, Mark Huber (Josephine), Kim Gillespie (Michael), and Stephanie Petrini (Andy); his sister, Patrice Mack and his twelve grandchildren, who were a constant source of pride and joy. He was predeceased by his sister, Jessica Eggleston in 2022. He will also be fondly remembered by extended family, friends, colleagues, and the many families whose lives he touched through his work.
Stephen's legacy is one of service, compassion, and leadership—to his patients, his profession, his community, his country, and his family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Therapeutic Horses Of Saratoga, Inc.
Born on July 30, 1940 in Manhattan. He was the son of the late M. Henry and Eleanor Chernay. Stephen grew up in Great Neck, New York.
Dr. Chernay devoted his life to the care of children, families, and his community, serving both his country and the Hudson Valley with distinction. He earned his undergraduate degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Washington & Lee University in 1962, received his medical degree from NYU School of Medicine in 1966, and completed his internship and residency at Bellevue Hospital Center in 1969.
Following his medical training, Stephen proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he held the position of Chief of Pediatrics at the Reese Air Force Base Hospital. He served from 1969 until 1971, when he was honorably discharged.
In 1971, Dr. Chernay began his long and respected civilian medical career as a pediatrician with Mid-Hudson Medical Group, where he practiced until his retirement in 2008. For nearly four decades, he cared for generations of children, earning the trust and gratitude of countless families through his calm presence, clinical excellence, and deep compassion.
Beyond his clinical work, Stephen was deeply committed to organized medicine and public health. He served as a Delegate to the New York State Medical Society representing the Dutchess County Medical Society from 1977 through 2025, demonstrating an extraordinary dedication to physician advocacy and medical leadership over nearly five decades. He was a member of the Dutchess County Board of Health for 17 years and served as President from 1982 to 1986, contributing meaningfully to public health policy and community well-being.
On his personal time, Stephen had a passion for raising and racing thoroughbred horses and watching the New York Mets.
Stephen was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Juliana Chernay; his former wife, Kathleen Chernay, his children, Melissa Wojcik and Matthew Chernay; his stepchildren, Mark Huber (Josephine), Kim Gillespie (Michael), and Stephanie Petrini (Andy); his sister, Patrice Mack and his twelve grandchildren, who were a constant source of pride and joy. He was predeceased by his sister, Jessica Eggleston in 2022. He will also be fondly remembered by extended family, friends, colleagues, and the many families whose lives he touched through his work.
Stephen's legacy is one of service, compassion, and leadership—to his patients, his profession, his community, his country, and his family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Therapeutic Horses Of Saratoga, Inc.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Stephen R Chernay, M.D., please visit our flower store.
Stephen R Chernay, M.D.'s Guestbook
Visits: 158
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors