Stephen Francis New

NEW, Stephen Francis

Age 93, of Bristol, CT, passed away quietly at his home on Friday, November 28, 2008. He was the husband of Dorothy Florence (Corey) New. He was born on February 13, 1915, in Elmira, New York, to the late James and Katherine (Trice) New. He grew up in Elmira and, after graduating from Elmira Free Academy, he became employed at the Elmira Post Office where he served as a Letter Carrier and postal supervisor until his retirement in 1973. During his Postal tenure, he served our country in the United States Army during WWII, where he spent a tour in both Germany and France. He organized and monitored the Postal Bowling League, Elmira's "fast-pitch" Softball League, The Letter Carrier's March for Muscular Dystrophy each Thanksgiving Day, and was President of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees for over many years. His "can-do" attitude made him visible in politics, the Post Office, church and neighborhood charities. He and his wife relocated to Bristol, CT in 2003. He spent his time educating another generation of grandchildren to New York Yankee's baseball history, word games, singing and gardening. He was always challenging the limits of the mind, and he spent many years polishing his Irish skills of storytelling. We'll miss you! He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Florence Corey New; daughters, Patricia Bina and her husband Robert of Houston, Texas, Michele Studzinski and her husband James of Sterling, Virginia, and Robin Vena and her husband Anthony of Bristol, CT; and grandchildren, Russell Robinson, of Melbourne, Florida, Stefanie Maurer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kandace Gilligan and her husband Benjamin of Washington, DC, Patrick Vena and Devin Vena of Bristol, CT. He has maintained a special relationship with his beloved nephew, James Topping of Arlington, VA, who was for the duration of his life the "son he never had." That relationship was nurtured until the day Steve died. Surviving great-grandchildren are Austin and Houston Robinson of Melbourne, Florida. He was predeceased by his cherished granddaughter, Kimberly Studzinski; and five siblings, James New, Thelma New Wisner, Eleanor New Topping, and John T. New, and Jane Machewske. For those family and friends who want to attend a true Irish Wake, please bring your best stories and a "thirst" to the Elmira Memorial Service for Steve New. This will be held in Elmira, New York at a date to be announced later in the year. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Stephen's name may be made to the American Heart Association, 1 Union St., Suite 301, Robbinsville, NJ 08691. For directions and online condolences please visit www.bailey-funeralhome.com