Memorial Trees
T
The staff at Hopler & Eschbach Funeral Home
April 08, 2026
Memorial trees planted for:
Stephen Carl Cruty
<p><p>STEPHEN C CRUTY – APALACHIN NY</p> <p> </p> <p>Stephen C. Cruty, affectionally known by his childhood nickname, “Buddy”, fell asleep in the Lord on Bright Monday, April 6, 2026, at the age of 94. </p><br> <p>In his own words, Stephen was born “on the wrong side of the tracks” referring to his childhood upbringing on Clinton Street in Binghamton’s First Ward – a neighborhood dominated by Eastern European immigrants working in the local shoe factories. Throughout his life, he celebrated his Slovak roots and preserved family traditions passed from generation to generation.</p><br> <p>Leaving their Carpathian homeland for a better life, Stephen was pre-deceased by his grandparents Stephen and Mary (Kruty) Cruty of Krasna Luka, Slovakia and Nicholas and Julia Onufrak of Habura, Slovakia, parents Stephen and Mary Cruty, sister Mildred “Becky” Cruty Karnath and wife of fifty years, Irene Kremitske Cruty. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Stephen T and Kimberly Cruty, grandson Stephen Andrew Nicolas Cruty and several nephews and nieces. </p><br> <p>Steve graduated from Binghamton North High School and in his spare time, assisted his parents run their family bar and grill “The House of Mills” - part of the “Clinton Street Run.” Shortly after, he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Because of his working knowledge of the Russian language, he was trained as an Army Intelligence Specialist monitoring Soviet troop movements in Post-War Germany rather than being sent to the Pacific. Returning home in 1953, he attended the Agriculture School at Cornell University.</p><br> <p>When asked about his profession, Stephen would say that he was “a peddler in the printing trade.” The fact is, he never had to sell a thing - his word was his bond. Many of his customers followed him throughout his career, no matter the shop. He was formerly employed by Union Press, Johnson City Publishing and Montrose Publishing. He was also owner of Quality Press in Binghamton.</p><br> <p>Stephen was engaged in the community as an active bowler and golfer enjoying annual trips to Myrtle Beach. He was also a frequent guest at the Saratoga racetrack with his father from the age of twelve. This love of racing started as a boy, watching local Kentucky Derby winner Exterminator run freely at Kilmer’s Sun Briar Court on Binghamton’s Riverside Drive. Most importantly, he was devoted to his parish, Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church. As a founding member, he lived a life of servitude serving as altar boy under Fr. Michael Staurovsky, singing in the choir from the age of sixteen to ninety, built the parish picnic grounds and managed numerous festivals, carnivals, fundraisers and BINGO games. He also served as President of the Greek Catholic Union (GCU) Lodge 47 formerly headquartered at the church.</p><br> <p>The Office of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am Saturday Apr. 18 at Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church, 360 Clinton St. Binghamton, NY. Burial will follow in Holy Spirit Cemetery. The family will receive family and friends from 5:00-7:00 pm Friday, April 17 at the Hopler & Eschbach Funeral Home, 483 Chenango St. Binghamton. A Panachida service will be held at 7:00 pm. </p><br> <p>Throughout his accomplishments, Stephen was most proud of his grandson who would not be here but for his love and support. In lieu of flowers, Stephen requested that memorial contributions be made to support his grandson’s college educational fund at: Stephen A. Cruty, 1532 Forest Hill Road, Apalachin NY 13732.</p><br> <p>Vichnaya Jemu Pamyat. Blazennyj Pokoj. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </p>July 3, 1931 - April 6, 202607/03/193104/06/2026
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