Stephen C. Wales

Stephen C. Wales, 70, of South New Berlin, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 1, 2025 at his home. Born on August 4, 1955, in Norwich, Stephen was the son of Roger Wales and Helen (Bilby) (Wales) Gray. He was a graduate of Norwich High School. After graduating high school, Stephen was briefly a member of the Air Force, but returned home to help at his family’s farm.

Stephen operated a sawmill and sap house with his father, Roger, for many years at the property that eventually became his home. He was a well-known carpenter and jack of all trades, having worked in many different industries including carpentry, electric, plumbing, telecommunications, blasting, woodworking and more. He enjoyed being outdoors in all kinds of weather, both for work and pleasure – especially hunting and fishing.

Together with his wife, Laurie Carpenter, Stephen built a home and life for 43 years in South New Berlin surrounded by friends and family. Most who knew Stephen would say that he was tough, he worked hard, and was a wealth of knowledge; those who were lucky enough to get closer to him, discovered his soft heart and know how deeply he loved his family and friends. He will be remembered by most as being generous with his time, always ready to help when someone needed him.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Laurie Wales; daughter, Sarah Wales-Wright and her husband Patrick Wright, and daughter, Sunshine (and her children); as well as his siblings, Dwight (Diane) Meade, Kenneth Wales, Diane (James) Talley, Dawn (Joseph) Maiurano, Alice (Jody) Zakrevsky, Larry Wales, Judy Wales; and in-laws, Charles Brancato, Elizabeth Weilenmann, Gloria (Andy) Tinning, Susan Csiha, Keith (Cindy) Carpenter, Ronald Carpenter, Charmaine (Thomas) Lord, Richard Carpenter, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Brancato, sister-in-law, Judy Wales, and brother-in-law, Thomas Csiha.

A funeral service for Stephen will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Wilson Funeral Home. Friends are invited to call at the Funeral Home on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. A private burial will be held.

Memorial contributions in Stephen’s memory may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 33-39 Court Street, Norwich, NY 13815

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home.