Stephen Andrew Ball, 73, died Tuesday, December 23, at home, surrounded by his loving family—his devoted wife Karen, and sons Ryan, Jeffrey, and Eric—following a long illness. Born in Troy, New York, Steve was the son of the late Frederick O. Ball Jr. and Helen Lois Ball of Waterford, NY.

He attended Waterford Half-Moon High School, where he participated in choir and baseball, and was known as a superb horseshoe player. He dearly loved his grandmothers and especially cherished the many hours spent playing cards with them. Steve had a restless, curious spirit and a deep love for people. As a young man, he wandered widely, trekking across the country in his early years, always eager to meet new faces and hear new stories. He met his wife, Karen, in Troy, and together they settled in Walton, NY, where they spent much of their lives raising their family.

Steve and Karen instilled in their children a love of nature, culture, and music—values that shaped their home and family life. Steve was a hardworking and dedicated individual. His ability to build bridges and bring people together was a blessing that left him with lifelong friends. He was trusted as a solid voice for reason and those memories are still cherished by everyone that knew him.

In his free time, Steve could most often be found standing by a river with a fishing pole in hand and his eyes to the sky in awe of the beauty of the universe. He loved his family fiercely and showed it in quiet, steady ways—always checking in, even when there wasn't much to report, reliably sharing a weather update or asking what was planned for supper. Steve passed on his love of nature and the quiet mysteries of life to his beloved grandchildren, Johnny, Elliot, and Eita, who will surely carry his spirit forward.

He is survived by his wife Karen, children Ryan, Jeffrey and Eric, and his beloved siblings, David Ball, Patrice Ball LaRow, Carolyn Ball Hosbach, and brother-in-law Charlie, as well as their nephews, nieces, and grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents Frederick O. Ball Jr. and Helen Lois Ball and beloved grandparents.

A celebration of life will be held later this year, and the Ball family encourages all who knew and loved Steve to join them in remembering and honoring his life. " All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!"