Specialist A
Specialist A
November 16, 1983 ~ March 1, 2004
Name: Spec. Stephen A. Needler
Life Dates: 11/16/1983 - 3/1/2004
City Of Birth: Rochester, NY
Pre-deceased by
His grandfather Daniel Needler.
Survived by
GREECE: Suddenly at age 20 on March 1, 2004. He is survived by his mother, Selina Eckert; Brothers, Christopher Matthew Needler; sister, Cheyenne Coffey; father, Jeff Needler; grandparents, William Kathleen Eckert, Myra Needler; great grandfather, Wesley Ayers; Stephen will be greatly missed by many cousins, aunts, uncles, family friends.
History
Stephen served in the Army Reserves 969 Maintenance Unit in Webster, NY and was a member of the American Legion Post #468. He was a machine operator at Ty Com Recycling.
Donations
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the school of the Holy Childhood, 100 Groton Pkwy, Rochester, NY 14623 in Stephen`s Memory.
Services
BARTOLOMEO PEROTTO Funeral Home, Inc. 1411 Vintage Lane (between 390 Long Pond Rd.) Visitation Wednesday March 3, 2004 from 2-4 7-9. On Thursday March 4, 2004, Stephen`s Funeral Service will be 8:15 at the Funeral Home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 9 AM at Holy Name of Jesus Church (Bonesteel St.) Interment Riverside Cemetery.
Additional Information
Stephen is many things to many people. First he is a son, a son to God and a son to Selina and Jeff. Webster's defines a son as a male offspring, or male descendant and continues to say that a Son is also the second person of the Trinity. God knows what a Son is. He understands worry, suffering, love and happiness. God knows what being a Father or Mother is. He knows the unspoken thoughts and feelings that are inside each of us today and understands the pain and loss we feel. And He wants to console and ease the sorrow. He has, for reasons only He will ever know, called Stephen to be with Him. I know He is embracing Stephen and I know Stephen is happy. Stephen wants you to remember him for what he is a loving, caring, gentle son. He wants you to remember the times he made you smile, the times he made you proud and he wants you to know he is with you always. You will find him in deeds of kindness, hear him in the laughter of children, feel him in a spoken phrase or a song, it could be anything and I know Stephen will want you to smile and be happy. Selina, you've done an incredible job raising Stephen. You taught him about love and family, looked after the cuts, scraps, bumps and bruises. You've worried and prayed for him. More importantly you kept his faith in God alive. You nurtured it with love and patience and kept him pointed towards God. Remember what it was like being a parent but more importantly remember what it was like to be a child and let God comfort you like you would comfort Stephen. You performed your God given task and Stephen is exactly what God needs. You chose butterflies to represent Stephen. How appropriate because butterflies are beautiful, graceful and gentle. Second, Stephen is a brother. Christopher, Matthew, Jonathan and Timmy: You know Stephen better than anyone. You know he always wanted to bring joy and love into the lives of everyone he met. He touched many lives and meant a great deal to many people. Stephen is a giving and loving person and you four have a very special bond. It's a bond that will grow stronger as Stephen will be watching out for each of you every day. Cheyenne, Stephen loves you. I know that from the things I've heard people say and I know that from Stephen's love for children. Stephen would want you all to comfort each other, support each other and continue to bring the best out of each other. Carry Stephen in your hearts and continue to love and celebrate in his memory. Lastly, Stephen is a great grandson, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin and a friend. And for all his family and friends, of which there are many. Look around you and see the need in each other and help each other not only because it's the right thing to do but also because it is what Stephen would have done. He would reach out to help anyone. Stephen is a giver - he gave of his heart. As it should be. Never asking or expecting a return payment. The dried tear, the smile, a hug were always payment enough. Stephen would want us to remember all the good times we had, to carry them in our hearts and to remember him with joy not sorrow because that is what kind of person Stephen is. I am blessed. Blessed to know Stephen and blessed because I have met a tremendous number of people these last couple days that Stephen has touched. I've listened to stories of what Stephen meant to you and I thank you for bringing the love you have for him here and sharing it with all of us. Thank you and God bless you all.