Obituary of Stephen John Rosettie

Stephen J. Rosettie, 68, entered into eternal life October 14, 2014 at SUNY Upstate University Hospital Community Campus in Syracuse, NY. Born December 4, 1945 and raised in Albany, NY, Stephen resided in Syracuse, NY for his entire adult life. He was the son of the late Louis R. and Geraldine Ehmke Rosettie. Stephen was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, Class of 1963, earned a bachelor\'s degree and completed master\'s studies for teacher certification at SUNY Environmental School of Forestry in Syracuse, NY. After 30 years of service, he retired as a science teacher from the Syracuse School District in 2001. Prior to his teaching career, he was a United States Army Veteran who served his country in the Vietnam War from 1968 - 1970 and received the Bronze Star for meritorious service. He is adored and survived by his loving wife, Cindy Smallman-Rosettie; stepdaughter, Jenny Lee; brother, John J. Rosettie (Gail) of Clifton Park; several nieces, and a nephew. Stephen was grateful for his lifelong friends John Hoag, Owen Colfer, and Jack Wagner, for always being there for him. A special thanks to Ed Hetnar, Susan Phillips, Rick Stohrer, Gail Calcagnino, and Marilyn and Bruce Laubacher for their longtime friendship and support. Stephen enjoyed nature, animals, the outdoors, and fished every chance he had. He served on the Board of Directors of Baltimore Woods Nature Center and the Central New York Land Trust. He volunteered with the Cat Coalition. He enjoyed camping in the Adirondacks, Acadia National Park, and going on frequent whale watching trips to Cape Cod with his wife, Cindy. He shared his love of nature, the sea, and whale watching with his students. Most of all, he cherished times spent with his family and friends. A memorial gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date. Those wishing to remember Stephen in a special way may make a contribution to The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, 5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown, Massachusetts 02657.