Stephanie Gunnesch

Gunnesch, Stephanie
MELROSE - Stephanie Alescio Gunnesch, née Stark, formerly Stephanie Alescio White, age 49, of Melrose, N.Y., passed away suddenly on September 10, 2025, in New York City, after a brief illness.
Born on July 16, 1976, to Sandy and Ron Stark in Albany, N.Y., Stephanie was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, wife and friend to many. After graduating from Albany High School in 1994, she went on to work for the State of N.Y. in several roles before finding her home in Human Resources at the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General.
Stephanie was a talented painter who found joy in sharing her gift with others. She was a doting mother and fierce protector of those she held dear. Stephanie constantly strived to make the world a better and brighter place, from her daily life to birthday and holiday celebrations. She had a passion and skill for making others feel loved and special through her thoughtful gestures and words, always going the extra mile. Her sincerity, sense of humor, and devotion had touched many hearts.
Stephanie is survived by her husband, Andrew; her daughter, Emma White; her sister, Aimee Baruch (and partner, Lian Fitz); her mother, Sandy Beckwith; her aunt, Bet (Randy) Richards; her cousin, Mandy (Tim) Richards; and her former spouse and good friend, Jim Flood.
There will be a private service held in Albany on November 8. Stephanie's Facebook page will remain open, and all are welcome to post memories and final words to her there; please share photos and stories to help keep her spirit alive. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The American Association for the Study of Liver Disease at https://my.aasld.org/donatenow?pid=a1B5f000002KLIREA4