Stephen R. Poydock

OSWEGO – Stephen R. Poydock, 76, of Oswego, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Warsaw, New York, he was the son of the late Robert T. and Doris (Stephens) Poydock. He grew up in Perry NY, where scouting and his faith were a big part of his life. In 1964, he met the love of his life, Linda, and they graduated together from Perry Central Schools in 1966. They were married on April 29, 1967, and moved to Oswego, NY soon after to start their life journey together.

Stephen attended SUNY Oswego and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts in 1971 and a Masters Degree in Education in 1976.

Post-graduation, Stephen became an Industrial Arts/Technology Education teacher and taught for 32 years, retiring from Soule Road Middle School in 2003. During his tenure, he was honored with numerous awards including the 1986 & 2000 CNYTEA Regional Teacher of the Year and 2001 NYSTEA Regional Teacher of the Year. In addition to being a teacher, Stephen worked as a track photographer at the Oswego Speedway alongside his mentor Don Kranz for over 25 years and had his own contracting business, Poydock Construction, which many Oswego and Central NY residents benefited from for well over 40 years. Post-retirement he acted as the NYSTEA Awards Coordinator from 2003-2009 and received a NYSTEA Exemplary Service Award for his contributions.

Stephen enjoyed desserts, carpentry, golfing, traveling, cruising, and watching hockey and NASCAR racing. He was a volunteer at the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse, Sterling Historical Society, and a lifetime member of the Oswego Elks where he also served as an officer. He was a member of the Oswego City Planning Board and enjoyed his monthly Tool Board gatherings with his teacher colleagues.

Stephen was a kind and gentle man and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a respected friend and colleague. He was well-known for his tremendous smile and warm, generous soul. Those who knew Stephen, whether for a reason, a season or a lifetime, were very lucky.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Linda (Aberth) Poydock; two daughters, Christine (Patrick) Puffer, of Camillus NY, and Stephanie (Andrew) Bazinet of Macedon NY; two brothers, Mark (Luci) Poydock of Lexington, NC, and Robin (Bonnie) Poydock of Perry, NY; three grandchildren, Ashleigh (Patrick) Spencer, Alyssa (Preston) Martin and Sarah Tanner; 10 great-grandchildren; Benny his grandpuppy and a host of loving in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins, and long-time friends.

The family wishes to thank Stephen’s in-home caregivers and angels Gail and Georgia who (in addition to Linda) took care of him during the final stages of his at-home care and the compassionate staff and residents of Morningstar Residential Care Center who became like a second family and were instrumental in making Stephen’s time there as comforting as possible.

Calling hours will be held 2-4 pm on Friday, May 24th, with a service to follow, at the Nelson Funeral Home, 11 W. Albany St. Oswego NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of CNY, the H. Lee White Maritime Museum at Oswego or the Sterling Historical Society. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.