Stephen S. Sambor

Mr. Stephen S. Sambor, age 84, of Utica, passed away after a courageous battle on Monday, August 7, 2006, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on August 10, 1921, Stephen was the son of the late John and Elizabeth (Zielonka) Sambor. He was raised and educated locally. A proud veteran, he served stateside with the U.S. Air Force, originally enlisting as a cadet in the flight training program. He then shifted direction when he was assigned to the aircraft engine maintenance field. On November 7, 1953 he married the former Marie A. Deitz, with whom he shared a loving union of 52 years. Stephen was a well-educated watchmaker and bench jeweler, known locally for his knowledge and craftsmanship. In the downtown business circle, where he was known as “Steve the Jeweler”. His 50 year career was based on his love of unique precision and intricate details. Combined with his business acumen, these facets formed the beginning of his professional life. He first established himself as one of the youngest jewelers in Downtown Utica where he founded Stephen’s Jewelers on lower Genesee Street. During the 1960’s he owned a watch repair shop located inside the F.W.Woolworth Store. In 1973, he then relocated to the New Hartford Shopping Center as watchmaker and diamond setter at Stephen’s Jeweler-Watchmaker, and subsequently moved to the Mayro Building. Lastly, he joined his daughter at Stephen & Co. located at the Radisson Hotel-Utica Centre. He had a keen sensitivity to the beauty found in all things, and had a natural refinement in everything from his business transactions to his window displays. In his leisure time, he enjoyed tinkering with cars, and was adept at mechanical and engine repairs. In addition to his many memorable qualities, Stephen possessed an abiding love of animals, both domestic and those in their natural habitat. He was always protective of God’s defenseless creatures, most especially stray dogs. He was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Mr. Sambor is survived by his wife, Marie; his daughter and son-in-law, Donna M. Sambor-Pratt and Roger Pratt of Whitesboro. Always close to his heart was the memory of his son, Gary Stephen Sambor, who passed away on December 16, 1986. He is also survived by his cherished granddaughter, Stephanie Marie; his family canine companion, ‘Rosie’; his brother, Thaddeus Sambor of Webster, NY; his Aunt Sophie Gadek, his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; his in-laws, Jeanette and Billy Mills, of Whitesboro, and Marie (Deitz) and Bob Strassberger. He also leaves his longtime friends, Frank and Lillian Magri of Long Island. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Leon and Garnet Sambor, and his in-laws, Leslie C. Deitz, Jr., Janet Sambor, and Doris and Jack Kennedy. Long will be remembered the personal and sincere effort of the nurses and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, with special mention of the Progressive Care and Intensive Care Units. A genuine appreciation and true thank you is extended to Lisa C. Larkin, RN, of the Special Care Unit, and Josh Burgess, nurse technician in the Progressive Care Unit, for their countless acts of kindness, compassion, and friendship. In keeping with Stephen’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Saturday at 12:00 noon at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of services. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial offerings in Stephen’s honor to the American Heart Association; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place with Military Honors in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Stephen S. Sambor

August 10, 1921 - August 7, 2006