Bernard J. Stempel

VOORHEESVILLE - Bernard J. Stempel, 84, passed away at his home on Friday, November 29, 2013 surrounded by Catherine, his beloved wife of 59 years, and his three daughters, Christine Stempel, Cynthia Bunk and Karen Beach.

Born and raised in Brooklyn and Queens, NY, Bernie was the second-born son of Vincent and Jennie Stempel. In his youth, he spent many summers upstate in the Worchester NY countryside, exploring the great outdoors with family and friends.

Bernie loved to work with his hands, and as a young man he trained as a carpenter and ultimately became a master craftsman cabinet-maker. In 1969 he relocated his family to Voorheesville, where he lovingly built the family home and much of its furniture. Upon moving upstate he became a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Local Union 370 and worked for many years on the Empire State Plaza project. Later in his career, Bernie worked for Reimherr & Schmidt Construction, Inc., in Galway, NY. During these years, he had the opportunity to mentor a young apprentice in the craft of carpentry and cabinet-making. This young man went on to win an International Carpentry Apprentice Award, which was a source of enormous pride for both student and teacher.

Through the years, Bernie proudly served his community as a volunteer fireman and lifetime member of the New Salem Fire Department. He contributed enthusiastically to their annual Punkintown Fair fundraiser where friends could usually find him running the gambling and dunking booths with his hand out and a big grin on his face!! He also enjoyed many seasons playing on the department's softball team.

Bernie was a lifetime member of the NRA and the Forest Rod and Gun Club. Using wood he recycled from an abandoned restaurant, he crafted a hunting retreat in the Catskills that served as a place to share his passion for hunting, the outdoors, and good times with his nephew, brother and a revolving door of family and friends. He loved dogs and could often be found tromping through the woods with his faithful lab, Barney, at his side.

In addition to his wife and daughters, Bernard is survived by his brother, Vincent, of Queens NY, two nephews, Vincent and John, a great-niece and nephew, and numerous cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, December 4th, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie (Route 155).

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Community Hospice of Albany County at 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 www.communityhospice.org