SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY - Stephen J. Zabala (Steve), 103, passed away peacefully after a short illness in his home surrounded by his loving wife Mary of 74 years and family members on September 6, 2025, in Saratoga Springs, NY. Born on March 16, 1922, in Greenfield Ctr, NY.

Steve lived a unique and historically rich life growing up on a farm in Greenfield Ctr, the one with the big yellow barn on Squashville Road, which he credits for his longevity, eating homegrown food and doing manual labor. Steve started his love of education attending grades 1-5 in a one- room schoolhouse in Greenfield Ctr and graduated Saratoga Springs High School in 1940, attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, enlisted during World War II in the Army Air Corp 1944-45. After the war he re-enlisted in the Air Force 1946-49 and was a flight engineer having trained on the B-29. While in the service as part of the war effort Steve was a participant in testing the limits of penicillin, so wounded troops could heal faster. Steve's post-military years were marked by an unwavering work ethic and a deep commitment to his family and his community. He embarked on a long and successful career in the engineering field; employing the same discipline and curiosity that defined his earlier years first as a machinist/toolmaker quality control inspector for the federal government for 35 years, followed by 11 years as Assistant City Engineer for the City of Saratoga Springs. His colleagues admired his integrity and clear-eyed approach to problem-solving, and he became a trusted mentor to many just entering the profession.

Outside his professional life, Steve was known for his boundless generosity volunteering his time and talents to St. Clements Church and School, Saratoga Central Catholic, and served on the Saratoga Spring Planning Board from 1980-87.

He had a spirited sense of adventure enjoyed fixing old cars, riding in a glide plane in his seventies, kissing the blarney stone at 85, and taking a hydroplane flight over an Alaska glacial field at 90. His love of travel took him to nearly all 50 states including his annual trips to Cape Cod, Myrtle Beach each winter, quarterly trips to Atlantic City, and traveling as far as Europe, Ireland, England and the Caribbean.

Whether it was repairing anything that needed fixing, or offering a wise word of encouragement, Steve was always ready to lend a hand. He never lost his love of learning, found joy in simple pleasures—tending his garden, reading history books, teaching himself and grandchildren how to use the computer/internet, and staying connected to friends old and new. As a lifelong Saratogian, Steve had a special connection to the racetrack, from renting his home to the jockeys and trainers of the time, to never being able to cash his winning 1-6 daily double ticket due to racing stewards' error in the infamous Allumeuse race.

His greatest joy in life happened when he met the love of his life Mary, and together they raised five wonderful children instilling values of hard work, kindness, honesty, and giving back. Steve was devoted to his grandchildren and great grandchildren who he adored and always loved spending time with them and talking with and teaching them.

Steve was predeceased in death by his parents, Stephen P. and Veronica M. Zabala, his siblings, Joseph Skibic, Paul G. Zabala, Estelle Zabala, and William J. Zabala. Steve's legacy continues through his devoted and forever girlfriend Mary, and his children Steve (Stephanie) Zabala, Gerard (Lynn) Zabala, Bob (Barbara) Zabala, Maryanne Zabala, Patti (John) Di Stasio, his beloved dog Schuyler, 12 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10am to 11am on September 12, 2025 at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Burial with military honors will follow in the family plot at St. Peter's Cemetery West Avenue Saratoga Springs, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Estherville Animal Shelter Greenfield Ctr NY or New York State Military Museum and Veteran Research Center .

The family wishes to thank his devoted caregivers over the last few years, Rebecca Leonardo, Heather Barton, Stephanie Zabala, Kelli Foley, Heidi Holcomb, and Kelly Randall. In addition, Saratoga Palliative Care, Saratoga Hospice Services, the doctors and staff on D2, ER at Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga EMTs, Saratoga Cardiology, Dr Carl Sgambati and Saratoga Family team, Dr Nicholas Kondo, Dr Alex Gartner of Center for Clear Hearing. The family also wishes to thank Carol Ann Micari and her team at the Brook Tavern and staff at Morton's (Angela and Adam) for their kindness to him.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com