Obituary of Stephen S. Israel

Stephen S. Israel, 89, of Niskayuna, passed away June 21, 2016 at Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital. Born in NYC on November 27, 1927 he was the son of the late Louis and Mildred Levine Israel. Following graduation from the Manhattan High School for the Aviation Trades he entered the United States Navy serving from '45-47. Steve received a Bachelor's' degree in education from Union College (class '49), where he was an active college alumnus and fund raiser. Mr. Israel received his Masters in Education from the State Teachers College at Oneonta. Mr. Israel taught at Craig Elementary and was later principal at Birchwood and Rosendale Elementary Schools over his career. During his tenure he was assistant superintendent for the personnel during which time he travelled throughout the State interviewing and hiring many young teachers. Mr. Israel retired after 30 years of service to Niskayuna Central Schools. Stephen was very involved in community events throughout his life which include having served as chair of the Niska-Day Event which is held annually. He was a member of the Niskayuna Kiwanis Club, Niskayuna Co-Op board member, President and Vice President of the board of directors for 1st NY Federal Credit Union and a founding member of Mohawk Valley Association of Independent Credit Union (MVI). Mr. Israel was a founding member of the Empire State Aerosciences museum (ESAM), past commissioner of the Schenectady County Airport, responsible for the lengthening of the runway and other vast improvements to the county's airport He was proud to attract the likes of the "Blue Angels", "Thunderbirds" and the exciting supersonic Concorde Jet and many other performers to the Air Shows held at the Airport. Mr. Israel was a lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol and himself a Certified Flight Instructor and he owned and piloted several airplanes including a sea plane which he kept on the Mohawk River. While Commissioner he worked together with the air national guard to improve the working relationship with the Stratton Air base. He was predeceased by his wife Marion Israel and his son Steven Israel. His memory will be cherished by his loving daughter, Judith A. Israel of Niskayuna and his sister, Doris A. Sagerman of Falmouth, MA, and his Nephews Robert and Jeffrey Sagerman, Daniel Boyarsky and his Niece Lisa Burkhard. A Service of remembrance will take place Friday, June 24, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. Glenville, where Rabbi Eleanor Pearlman will officiate. You are cordially welcomed to visit with the family prior to the service on Friday from 12 - 1 PM. A private burial is planned in Hunter, New York. Memorial contributions may be made in Stephen S. Israel's name to Hospice Inn at St. Peter's, 315 S. Manning Blvd, Albany NY 12208. Online remebrances at GLENVILLEFUNERALHOME.COM.