Stephen N. Bland

Stephen Nigel Bland passed away on November 28, 2024 at the age of 70. Stephen is predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Joan Bland, and by his nephew, Christopher Bland. He is survived by his wife, Linda Grossman; stepson, Ethan Grossman; sister, Susan O'Rourke; brother, John (Susan) Bland, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved musician friends. 

Stephen was born in Nottingham, England, immigrated to the United States in 1957 and became a US citizen in 1963. He grew up in Fairport, New York and began his professional career as a ballet dancer, both in the U.S. and Europe. He later graduated from SUNY Brockport with a Masters of Science Degree and then completed post-graduate research in microbial ecology at the University of Alabama. Following this, he began a 25-year career with the Monroe County Department of Environmental Services as an Environmental Chemist.

Stephen's love of music spanned his life. He played banjo, mandolin, guitar and fiddle/violin. Most recently, he played “Old Time” music with his band, The Orleans County String Band and played the violin with the Brighton Symphony Orchestra.

A celebration of Stephen’s life will be held on February 23, 2025 from 3-9 p.m. at “The Lodge at Buckland” in Buckland Town Park.

A private interment will be held in the spring at White Haven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, in honor of Stephen, contributions may be made to: Wilmot Cancer Center, Hildebrandt Hospice Center and/or Rochester Education Foundation (REF).

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