Steven O’Shea, a man known throughout the Capital District for making the business of area schools his business, died Thursday, Oct. 23, at his Guilderland home surr-ounded by his family. He was 52.
Born in Canton, he was the son of Elmer O’Shea and the late Harriet O’Shea. He graduated with his master’s degree from the University at Albany and worked tirelessly as an assistant superintendent of business for the Corinth, Scotia-Glenville and Bethlehem school districts.
It is with great sadness that the district announces the death of Assistant Superintendent for Business Steven O’Shea after a lengthy battle with cancer, the district said in a statement.
O’Shea had worked for the Bethlehem Central School District for the past 11 years and handled the financial reins of the suburban school district during a time of considerable growth and transformation.
Superintendent Michael Tebbano said O’Shea’s presence will be missed.
`Anyone who knows Steve knows that the district is not the same without him,` Tebbano said. `Steve was an excellent financial steward for Bethlehem Central and its taxpayers. He was also a great friend. I know I speak for many in the district who worked closely with Steve when I say that it’s hard to imagine BC without Steve’s sense of humor, his calm presence and his leadership and knowledge of school finance.`
O’Shea joined the district in 1997 after serving as a school business administrator for the Scotia-Glenville Central School District, where he helped implement several substantial technology improvements and capital construction projects.
He used his experience at Scotia-Glenville to help serve the Bethlehem district as well.
`He will be remembered as a smiling, steady presence who did great work for Bethlehem Central for more than a decade, according to the statement released by the district. `Mr. O’Shea’s leadership and expertise were invaluable, particularly with the historic 2003 capital project that has done so much to improve the district’s technological and physical infrastructure for students.`
The New York State Association of School Business Officials awarded a $1,000 scholarship in O’Shea’s name at last year’s Bethlehem Central High School awards evening. The scholarship went to a graduating senior who planned to pursue a degree in business, finance or education.
According to the award description, O’Shea’s peers across the state did this to recognize him as a member of their organization `who exemplifies honor, commitment and dedication,` in their profession.
District officials said the Bethlehem Board of Education will decide on who will take over the helm of the district’s business office in the coming weeks. In the meantime, its operations will remain under new school business administrator and former town comptroller Judi Kehoe and with the assistance of a retired school business official.
`He will be dearly and wholeheartedly missed` by the survivors he leaves behind, his family wrote in a tribute. `We would also like to thank more than words can say for the care and support given Steve and us by the staff at Ellis ICU 1 and from Albany County Hospice.`
Survivors include his wife, Paula O’Shea; a son, Shawn (Heather French) O’Shea, a daughter, Tamara (Matthew) Hanzalik; three grandchildren, Connor O’Shea, Aiden and Liam Hanzalik; eight brothers, Charles (Claudia), Robert (Sue), Bruce (Betty), Gerald (Kelly), Clarence (Adair), Marvin (Janet), Brian (Maria) and Robin (Shelly); two sisters, Dorothy (Robert) Powers and Linda (Tyge) Clyde; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. O’Shea’s daughter, Shelly Ann O’Shea, died before him.
Arrangements were by the Catricala Funeral Home Inc., in Clifton Park, and a funeral Mass was held Monday, Oct. 27, at the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Scotia. Burial was in St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Glenville.
Contributions in O’Shea’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Albany 12211, or the Community Hospice of Albany County, 445 New Karner Road, Albany 12205.“