Stephen J Passante, a Highland High School graduate, a US Naval Veteran, and life-long resident of Highland passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, on October 8, at the age of 69.
Stephen was a 30 year retiree of the NYSDOT and a 10 year retiree of the Highland Central School District. Even after two retirements, he continued to work for a landscaping company up to just before he died. He was in the US Navy and was a member of the American Legion Lloyd Post# 193, and lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post# 6534. An avid sports fan,
Stephen was known as one of the best center fielders in the Hudson Valley during his generation, which lead him to a try-out with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1972.
Stephen was the son of Carmine Neil and Margaret Anne Passante of Highland, and the Grandson of Paul and Anna Salzano Passante, Anne Meuser and George Busick. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Diana Passante, his son Derek and daughter in law Liza Passante, his daughter Stephanie and son in law Billy Lucas, his grandchildren Cameron, Maddox, and Ava, and was looking forward to meeting his new grandson who is due in January. He is also survived by his brother John Passante of Highland, his Aunt Rosalie Marinucci, Uncle Charlie and Aunt Lucy Busick, Aunt Shirley Passante, Aunt Jean Passante, and Uncle Paul and Aunt Fran Passante. He is survived by his Sister in law and her husband Joann and George White, and brother in law and his wife Joseph and Katie Rao. Stephen is also survived by his two Godsons Russell Passante and Thomas Roberts, and his Goddaughter Ann Marie Connelly, nieces Danielle Carter, Nicole Roberts, Melissa White, Ciara Copeland, and nephew Michael Rao. Stephen is survived by great nephews and nieces, cousins and friends too numerous to list, but were all well loved.
A Mass of Christian burial was held on Monday Oct. 14, at St. Augustine’s RC Church, 55 Main St., Highland. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family at a later date.