Stephen F. Peters

Hardwick - Stephen F. Peters, passed away unexpectedly on July 20, 2017. He was 62.

Stephen was born on August 21, 1954 in Schenectady, NY to Roy W. Peters and Mary L. (Gazeley) Peters, both deceased. He was a 1972 graduate of Linton High School in Schenectady, a 1976 graduate of Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, and received his Master’s degree in Education from UMASS Amherst in 1988. Stephen initially worked as a teacher and athletic coach at Eagle Hill School in Hardwick, MA, and for the last 27 years as Psychologist for Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley, MA.

Although never married, Stephen considered his colleagues at Shepherd Hill an extended family and cared very much for all of the students he worked with and helped guide toward adulthood. He was very highly regarded by all he interfaced with, made a tremendous impact, and his contributions will be greatly missed.

In his spare time he enjoyed the outdoors, especially working on the landscaping around his house, as well as fishing during family trips to Lake George.

Stephen is survived by brothers David and sister-in-law Bonnie (Chester Springs, PA), and Jeff and sister-in-law Wendi (Charlotte, NC). He is also survived by nieces Brandie Peters Schaffchick (husband Lucas) and Samantha Peters and nephews Brett Peters (wife Alyson) and Dylan Peters as well as great nephews Crosby and Cole Schaffchick and Conner Peters. Stephen was predeceased by his brother Gary.

Cremation services will be private at the request of the family. 

A Memorial Service to celebrate Stephen’s life will be held at the Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley, MA at 6:00 PM on Friday, August 4. All are welcome to attend and remember the spirit and accomplishments of this remarkable person.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, 1270 Belmont Avenue, Schenectady, NY  12308 in honor of the long-standing relationship between Stephen’s family (his grandfather was founder of the Department for Orthopedic Surgery there) and Sunnyview.