Stephen R. Piper, 77, of Watertown, New York, passed away on January 26, 2024, at the Samaritan Medical Center.

Born on May 26, 1946, in Watertown, NY, son of Robert and Delia (Webster) Piper, he attended Watertown High School. Stephen entered the US Army on August 12, 1968 and served one tour in the Vietnam War.  He was honorably discharged on August 11, 1974 and received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Expert Rifleman Badge.

He married Janet Sharlene Odett of Watertown, and together they had three children before the couple divorced.  He later married Patricia Mattern, who preceded him in death on May 3, 2011.

Stephen was a self employed mason  and worked for various businesses in the local area as well most of his career.  He later became a property manager owning and managing the Kool Brook Motel in Watertown and later managing Northland Estates before retiring.

He was an avid reader, history buff, and a dedicated Republican. Stephen cherished his children and was known for his great sense of humor. He loved his partner, Cindy Ives, and best friend Darlene. Stephen was also a member of the Watertown American Legion, VFW and supported many other Veteran organizations.

He is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-laws, Kelli D. Stephenson, of Monroe Township, NJ, Karin L. and Troy D. Horn of Tulsa, OK, and Erin A. and Allen D. Boyd, of Washington, NC;  9 grandchildren, Brittani Krebbs, Alysa Krebbs, Marissa (Taylor) Hart, Caelyn Horn, Koren Horn, Chelsea (Ivan) Jacome, Donald Weeks Jr., Scott Mullins II, and Jayden Mullins, 3 great-grandchildren, Mateo, Rhayna, and Emory Paige Hart; a sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Everett Johnson, of Watertown, NY, two brothers and their wives, Kevin and Beth Magovney, of Fulton, NY, and Brian and Sara Magovney, of Watertown, NY, along with several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter.   A graveside service with military honors will be held in Brookside Cemetery on Tuesday, May 14th at 10 am. .

Memorial donations in Stephen's memory may be made to the local chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, or Disabled American Veterans.

Online condolences can be shared at www.dexterfuneralhome.com.