Stephen A. Scott, a man whose life was marked by friendliness and a spirit of adventure, passed away Jan. 16, 2026, at the age of 69. Born Nov. 19, 1956, in Red Bank, Stephen was the son of the late Larry and Gloria Scott.
He spent the majority of his life in Belford. Stephen was a kind and compassionate soul who spent more than a decade in Carolina Shores, North Carolina, caring for his aging mother, Gloria Scott, who had Alzheimer’s disease. After his mother’s death, he finally settled in Unadilla, New York, two years prior to his passing.
Stephen was a graduate of Middletown High School North and carried his passion for soccer to Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, where he not only played the sport but also had the opportunity to play in Europe. His love for the game continued long after his college years, as he came home to coach and share his knowledge and enthusiasm for soccer with others.
While at Hartwick College, he became a brother of the Alpha Delta Omega (ADO) fraternity, forging lasting fraternal relationships with the ADO brothers, winning them over with his sense of humor and charm. He will be sorely missed by all the ADO brothers.
Throughout his life, Stephen dabbled in various professions. He contributed to the family business, the former Scott Funeral Home, and worked in construction as a laborer. However, it was his nearly 20-year tenure as a courier with FedEx that many will remember him for, as he brought joy and dedication to his work every day.
Stephen was a sports enthusiast through and through. His passion for soccer was matched by his love for the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Flyers, but most importantly, he cherished watching Los Angeles Rams games with his beloved son, Zachary. His competitive spirit shone brightly when he played softball with his lifelong friends on the Meadowview and The Brothers softball teams.
Beyond the sports fields, Stephen was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed canoeing and shared memorable moments with his brother, father and grandfather while deer hunting and bowling.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and friendship with all he met. He is survived by his son Zachary; his brother Kevin; his nephews, Larry, “H-Man,” Henry, Ian, Scott and Chris; along with his nieces, Sara, Melissa, Heather and Julia. His memory will also be treasured by his lifelong friends, Frank Zechman, Rich Veth and Mark Stay. Preceding him in death were his brother Larry Scott III and sister Bonnie Scott.
Stephen’s life was a testament to the power of friendship, the thrill of adventure and the joy of shared experiences. His friendly demeanor made him a beloved figure in his community, and his adventurous soul inspired many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Stephen A. Scott’s story is one of a well-lived life filled with passion, camaraderie and the pursuit of happiness.
A celebration of life will take place in the spring.
The article originally appeared in the February 5 – 11, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
