Samuel J. Stein

Stein, Samuel J. CLARKSVILLE Samuel J. Stein, age 91, died peacefully on January 10, 2013 at the Albany Medical Center. He was born in Paterson, N.J. to Hyman Stein and Priscilla Stein (nee Lewin). Sam's college career was interrupted by World War II. He served in the Army Signal Corps supervising the maintenance of communication lines along the India-Burmese trail from 1942-1946. He graduated from NY University after returning home and subsequently moved to Albany. Sam was the director of research and statistics for the NYS Board of Equalization and Assessment and served as an expert consultant on the policy development of fair state tax rates after his retirement in 1976 through 1996. Sam and his late wife Bethany enjoyed many years in Clarksville where he served on the town planning board. He loved to care for his gardens, enjoy the birds and critters, and entertain friends and family. Those who knew them well also know they did a perfect rendition of "George Burns and Gracie Allen". He is survived by his niece, Lisa Levy and her husband Phil Buehler of Brooklyn; and his nephew, Harris Levy of Baltimore. In addition, he is survived by his cousin, Shirley Drucks of DelRay Beach, Fla. and his cousin, Leo Brown and his wife Rosemary of Glen Rock, N.J. and their children. He is also survived by his local surrogate family including Maritza Paramo and her daughter Vanessa, Gail Gordon and Bill McCale, Michael, Melissa and Marty Ryan and the Ingraham family of Clarksville whom he dearly loved. In addition to his wife Bethany who passed away in 1994, he was predeceased by his sisters, Henrietta and Ethel Levy and his brother, Max. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Sam's many loving caregivers including Jennifer King, Valerie King, Serenity Giles, Kris Carpenter, Karen Brown and Bibiana Sakai. They also wish to extend heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Richard Balsam whose extraordinary kindness and dedication over the years helped Sam and all of us through many anxious days. Friends are invited to join in a celebration of Sam's life at Jack's Oyster House on Saturday, January 26 at 4 p.m. Those wishing to make a contribution in Sam's memory may do so to the American Civil Liberties Union Immigrants' Rights Project, the Immigration Advocates, or a charity of your choice. "Say good night, Gracie!"