Mr. Stephen J. "Steve" Powers

NEW HARTFORD – Mr. Stephen J. "Steve" Powers, age 67, after leading a blessed life, went home to the Lord following an unforeseen health episode on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Born in Utica, NY on March 15, 1957, Stephen was the son of the late Edward J. "Brud" and Elizabeth "Betty" (Girvan) Powers. He began his education at Blessed Sacrament Grammar School and went on to graduate from Notre Dame High School in 1975. He furthered his education at Utica College of Syracuse University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and was proud to have been Valedictorian of the Class of 1979. In 1980, Steve met and grew to know the love of Mary Ann Jabour, and they were united in marriage two years later, 1982. The two were best friends who shared a unique love, and filled their home with laughter and joy. Steve became a Certified Public Accountant. He started his career at Stillman and Barone, later becoming partner at a new firm, Barone, Howard, Hilton, and Powers. His career eventually led him to his current partnership operating as Hilton and Powers CPAs, P.C. His clients became dear friends, he was passionate about his career and conducted his business in a way that cultivated relationships that lasted a lifetime. Steve was a showman. He always had a story to tell and left you with a lasting memory in your heart. Clever and quick-witted, family and friends gravitated to him. For those qualities he was beloved. One of his greatest joys was entertaining a house full of people. He was confident in preparing almost every dish, carefully following the recipe, sometimes so meticulously that it delayed dinner till 10 p.m. When he was brought into Lebanese culture, he was given a Lebanese cookbook by his late mother-in-law, which he used as his "bible". He utilized his incredible culinary skills when hosting family; occasions he referred to as "Jabour-a-thons". Steve was also a film buff. He loved reciting lines from his favorite movies, working them into common conversation; though he sometimes would need to be corrected by his lifelong friend, Joe Kane, or his son, Chris, who are both film buffs in their own right. He also enjoyed hiking in the Adirondacks with his two sons which was more to have a long conversation than for physical fitness. He would sometimes retell the plots of Twilight Zone episodes as ghost stories, which the boys would only realize when he later shared his love of the show with them. Steve's father, Brud, was his hero. Whenever he was in need of strength, he would remind himself that his personal problems were nothing compared to Brud's military service. To him, a flooded basement paled in comparison to an amphibious landing on a beach in Normandy. Steve was so proud of his family. Watching his sons grow into the men they are today was one of the great joys of his life. When he welcomed his first grandson, Jack, into the family his whole world changed. He would purposefully wear his "Promoted to Grandpa" t-shirt and insist that you compliment him on it. The community was well served by Steve. He gave his time generously as part of many local organizations and charities. He was also an active member of St. Louis Gonzaga Church where he could always be found counting money at fundraising events. His personality and dependability made it easy for the clergy, deacons, and his fellow parishioners to love him. Steve is survived by his adored wife, Mary Ann; sons and daughters-in-law, Christopher "Chris" and Julie Powers, and Andrew "Andy" Powers and his wife Olivia McDaniel; cherished grandson, Master Jack Edward Powers; and siblings and their loves, Suzanne and Bob Read, Dr. John and Mary Kay Powers, Daniel and Julee Powers, and Jancie and Mark Williams. He held close to his heart the memory of his brother, David Powers, who preceded him. His loss is also felt by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and in-laws, Connie Neupert and Ed Ozog, Beth and Joe Servello, Teresa and Rick Blank, and Anthony Jabour. Steve had a multitude of friends who enriched his life, especially Joe Kane, a lifelong friend, comrade, and confidant, who was incorporated into the family, loved, and known to all as "Uncle Joe." Steve was additionally predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony J. and Marion (Eddo) Jabour. The Powers family would like to extend their gratitude for the kindness expressed to them by the New Hartford Police Department, the ER staff at Wynn Hospital, and Dr. Timothy LaFont. A heartfelt thank you is also extended to Father Boutros El Hachem, Deacon Paul Salamy, and Deacon Peter Hobaica. Visitation will be held on Saturday morning, September 21, 2024, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, 520 Rutger St. Stephen's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 10:30 a.m. at the church where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Boutros El Hachem. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/ascensionvideo/. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Steve's honor may be made to St. Louis Gonzaga Church online at www.saintlouisgonzaga.org/giving, the Rescue Mission of Utica online at www.uticamission.org/donate or the Veteran's Outreach Center online at www.veteransoutreachcenter.org/ways-to-donate; envelopes will also be available at the service.