FULTON – February 11, 2024, Stephen M. Belair, “Grizz,” “Grizzly Bear,” “Bear;” 65; of Oswego, NY; liked by all, left us to play hockey for eternity Sunday, February 11th at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse, NY.
Grizz was born in Plattsburgh, NY; the son of Shirley Ryan Belair and Andre “Mike” Belair. Steve was raised in the Phoenix and Fulton area, attending both Phoenix and Fulton schools and graduating from G. Ray Bodley HS, Fulton or as Steve called it “G. Ray Godiddley HS” with the class of 1976. Steve retired in 2018 after working numerous jobs over his lifetime from greens keeper, bartender at Pi’s, Volney, NY; cutting trees for the railroad and making candy bar and beer labels with the former Morrill Press, Fulton.
During the last few years, Steve survived numerous medical emergencies and came back from every setback handed to him. He was happiest playing hockey, puttering outdoors in the yard, watching his beloved Boston Bruins, attending the Syracuse Nationals and drinking a beer at RFH’s with the guys after their hockey games. Grizz also loved attending the annual hockey party, hosting he and his wife Janice’s annual Christmas Eve party (that always turned into an open house for anyone that wanted to stop in.) He also loved woodworking and building his version of the Adirondack Chair. Steve was an avid fan of the super modifieds at Oswego Speedway and attended almost every Saturday night for 40 years. He would also camp out every year during Classic weekend/Labor Day weekend and never missed the Family Campout with the northern clan every August especially since it was Steve’s job for the weekend to tend to the campfire every evening. Grizz also enjoyed working on his beloved Sunbeam Tiger.
Steve was pre-deceased by his father: Andre Belair in 1991, his father-in-law: James L. Utick, Grandparents, many Aunts and Uncles.
There are no words to express how much Steve will be missed by his wife and best friend of 35 years: Janice Utick Belair of Oswego, his mother: Shirley Belair of NC, his brother Thomas “Tom” (Jo) Belair of Fulton, NY; his sister: Cynde (Bob) Black of NC; mother-in-law: Phyllis Utick, sister-in-law: Sharon Utick, and brother-in-law: James Utick and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and his best and most loyal friend: John Kenyon. Steve had a big heart and was a kind and generous man.
He was the type of guy that would be the first to pick up the tab for dinner or drinks. The first to help family, friends, strangers and the “old ladies” with the home repairs taking payment only in homemade chocolate chip cookies. A special thank you to everyone that became our new friends and extended family during the last few years. What Team he had!! Thank you, Lori Vashaw for caring, the Therapists at Oswego Physical Therapy: Jason, Bridge, Dana, Stephanie, Sue and Karen. Steve enjoyed himself so much with all of you and appreciated your wonderful care. Thank you Robert, for talking hockey during massage therapy and Dr. Esther Lubinga and her staff for your compassionate care, home visits and helping Steve in every way that was asked of you.
A special thank you to the staff at Oswego Hospital Emergency Depart., who always treated us with care and respect during his numerous visits. No one ever had a bad word to say about Grizz and his family thanks all of you for caring and loving him in such a respectful manner. It will not be forgotten.
In honor of Steve’s memory please take the time to watch a hockey game, enjoy a Labatt Blue Light Lime, sit back and listen to a country song and never forget your friends and family when they need you most.
In his memory, don’t hesitate to make a phone call or stop in for a visit because you may never know how much your time actually means to those you acknowledge.
In lieu of flowers Grizz and his family has asked for donations to be made to an animal shelter of your choice, Oswego Hospital Foundation/Physical Therapy Depart., or Oswego Hospital Emergency Depart.
Calling Hours will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Saturday at the Sugar Funeral Home Inc., 224 W. 2nd St. S., Fulton, NY. A Funeral Service will be celebrated in the Sugar Funeral Home, Inc. at 1:15 PM.
Burial will be held in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fulton, NY. In memory of Steve, we invite all those attending to please consider wearing your favorite hockey jersey, a Syracuse National, NASCAR, Classic or favorite sport team shirt.
In closing, there is only one more thing to say—“GO BRUINS-2024.”
