Steven Edwin Hall, born January 24, 1953, passed away peacefully at his home in Cedar Highlands, Seneca Lake, Ovid, NY, on March 3, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles E. and Shirley A. Hall, and his sister, Margaret Hall Ackley.

Steven spent his early years in Seneca Falls, NY, later graduating from Ithaca High School. He completed his education at Cornell University, earning a BA in government and an MA in regional planning. As an undergraduate, he was proud to have played for and later acted as observer and scout for the Big Red’s legendary lacrosse coach, Richie Moran.

Witty, charming, and gregarious, Steve forged friendships everywhere he worked and lived. After early experiences as Criminal Justice Liaison for the renowned Eagleville Hospital and Treatment Center outside Philadelphia, as a Director of Analysis for a major study at Cornell’s College of Human Ecology, and as Planner and Grants Coordinator for the Tompkins County Office for the Aging, he went on to serve as tactical advisor to the Roanoke, VA, County Planning Department and later as Special Project Manager for a major development company in the Territory of Guam. In 1993, Steve founded a private consulting firm in Seneca County, NY -- The Western Door, a Rural Planning Practice -- channeling his creative energy into proposals for the innovative use of public lands and buildings.

A skillful wood-worker and a talented musician, Steve restored antique furniture, sang in church choirs, and played timpani in community ensembles and church services. He was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable sports fan, an avid reader, an aficionado of classic movies, a master of word games, and a lover of nature, especially the woods and waters of Cedar Highlands. Known for his historical insights, his keen sense of humor, and his story-telling prowess, Steve will be missed by all who knew him. 

Steven is survived by six siblings – Ruth, David, Susan, Roger, Nancy, and Eric – and is remembered as a favorite uncle, always ready for a game of bocce ball, an afternoon swim, or a Scrabble challenge, by nephews and nieces Matthew, Casey, Britt, Daniel, Matthew, Paul, Ben, Emily, Katelynn, Jennifer, Emily, Kim and Clare. The family will gather in the summer to honor his memory.

Gifts in Steven’s memory may be made to the Lodi Whittier Library in Lodi, NY.