Stephen Mark Halpern

Stephen Mark Halpern, 84, of Princeton, New Jersey, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Brandywine Assisted Living in Princeton.
Stephen was born in New York, NY to parents Louis Halpern and Sonia (Handelsman) Halpern. He grew up in the Bronx and attended Dewitt Clinton High School, followed by undergraduate studies in History at the University of Rochester. Upon graduation, he attended Columbia University, where he received a Masters degree in the European exploration of Japan in the 16th and 17th century, and a PhD in American History, focusing on the Institute of International Education.
Stephen moved to Pleasantville, NY with his wife, Sheila, in 1972. He spent 34 years as a Professor of History and American Government at the Borough of Manhattan Community College CUNY, where he dedicated his time to sparking his students' interest in the past, and how it pertains to the present and future. Given the proximity of BMCC to the World Trade Center, he closely witnessed the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Stephen retired from teaching in 2002 and began a second career. He developed "The Arts in Westchester," a television program featuring his interviews with local musicians and artists working in the area, which aired on the newly established public access station, Pleasantville Community Television. This sparked his passion in creating music documentaries and, along with his wife, they created SMH Music. For 14 years, they developed, wrote and produced approximately 15 films, focusing on the careers and performances of such celebrated musicians as Aaron Rosand, Manuel de Falla, Antonin Dvorák, and the American Boy Choir.
Stephen is survived by his loving wife Sheila L. (Handelman) Halpern, son Benjamin Halpern, daughter Kate Halpern Fisher, son-in-law Scott Fisher, and four grandchildren, Ethan Nolin-Halpern, Ava Nolin-Halpern, Alexander Fisher, and Claire Fisher.
A Memorial Service in his honor will be held at a later date. In lieu of food or flowers, we ask that a donation be made to one of these two classical music stations serving the greater Princeton/Philadelphia area, WRTI FM 90.1 or WWFM 89.1. Please note in the comment section that the donation is in memory of Stephen Halpern.