Obituary of Leonard Stephen Berns

Leonard Stephen "Steve" Berns, 74, of Ballston Lake and formerly of Troy, passed away  on Monday, November 27, 2017.

Born in Albany, New York, he was the son of the late Leonard and Elisabeth Erler Berns and the beloved husband of the late Sarah K. Seymour Berns, who passed away on December 19, 1994. He was a graduate of The Albany Academy for Boys in Albany and the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, where he earned his Bachelor's degree.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and served during the Vietnam War.

Mr. Berns was Senior Long-Term Care Consultant and Trainer as well as Manager of Medicare for Associates of Clifton Park. Following his father's passing in 1986, he took over ownership and operation of the popular Berns Camera Store with locations throughout the Capital District.

Caring and thoughtful he was a true philanthropist giving to many charitable organizations locally and globally. He had a great love for the arts and could often be found visiting museums or attending concerts. He was a seasoned traveler and photographer having traveled throughout the U.S. and Europe on multiple occasions. An avid reader, Mr. Berns had a great love for books and had an extensive home library. He was a fan of basketball with his favorite team being the San Antonio Spurs and could often be found catching a game over a beer. A proud alumnae of The Albany Academy, he helped plan both his 50th and 55th high school reunions.

Devoted father of Bridget E. (Colin) Bell of Sea Cliff, NY and Natalie C.E. Berns of Oakland, CA, brother-in-law of Ellen Seymour of Latham and Shaun (Patricia) Seymour, cherished grandfather of Hannah Sarah and Paige Leslie Bell, brother of Barbara and Renata, also survived by several nieces and nephews and their children. He was also predeceased by his in-laws; Dr. William E. and Eleanor Carney Seymour.

Private funeral arrangements and burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Troy were entrusted by the family to the Morris-Stebbins-Miner & Sanvidge Funeral Home, 312 Hoosick Street, Troy, NY 12180. Phone (518) 272-3930.

Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society Hope Club, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110, in memory of Leonard Stephen Berns.

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