Stephen A. Stomps

Stephen A. Stomps, 77, of Auburn passed away March 21, 2025. Steve was born on December 2, 1947. He grew up in North Vernon, Indiana and wanted to be a radio announcer so he practiced getting rid of his Midwest accent. He attended Ball State University where he earned a degree in Music Education. After teaching for a few years in Indianapolis, Indiana, Steve decided to join the army. The army sent him to the language school in Monterey, California where he learned to speak German fluently. Then it was off to Germany where he served as an interrogator and was awarded a Good Conduct Medal.

With his army career over, he returned to the states and decided to further his education. He went to Northwestern University where he received his Master’s degree in conducting and continued his studies for his Doctorate. Throughout his life, music was his greatest passion, and working with the students at Auburn High School was where he spent most of his teaching career. It was under his tenure in the Auburn ECSD that the Music Department was recognized as Superior. Under his direction the Auburn High School program grew. Among the great choral classics that his groups performed were The Rutter Requiem, Chichester Psalms, The Last Words of David, and Carmina Burana. He also worked with many church choirs in the Oswego and Auburn areas. If he was not directing a choir, he was singing in an Opera. Two of the numerous Operas he performed in were Candide and Die Fledermaus.

Steve loved his family and friends, cooking, playing cards and eating ice cream.

He was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Kathleen Stomps.

Steve is survived by his brothers, Dean and Randall (Janet), sister Nancy Apsley (Richard), children Sybil, Kathleen, and Frank Stomps as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours for Stephen will be held on Sunday, March 30th from noon-2pm in White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South Street, Auburn NY 13021. A memorial service will be celebrated on Monday at 9am in the St. James Episcopal Church, 96 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152. Burial will follow in Fort Hill Cemetery, Auburn.

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