IN MEMORIAM

Steven C. Naatz, 67; Forester,

Outdoorsman, Entrepreneur

SCHENEVUS – Steven C. Naatz, 67, formerly of Goodyear Lake, a forester who could identify every tree and animal by its Latin name and proprietor of Naatz Excavating & Forestry, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2019, with family by his side.

Steve was born on Sept. 30, 1951, at Fox Hospital in Oneonta to Audrey V. (Baumann) and William M. Naatz of Emmons, the middle of five children. He graduated from Oneonta High School, earned an A.A.S. from the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry Ranger School in Wanakena, then received a M.S. from Colorado State University. He served in the Army National Guard as a senior surveyor at Fort Belvoir, Va.

A forester by trade, he was a longtime employee of Phillips Lumber Co. in Hartwick. He also held positions with the state Department of Environmental Conservation in Fisheries & Game Management. He later owned and operated Naatz Excavating and Forestry, and was also a general contractor who built custom homes.

Steve was a very loving father and stepfather. His greatest joys were time with his family, hunting and fishing with his children and buddies, and the company of his many beloved dogs throughout the years. He was known for his witty and sarcastic sense of humor, as well as a kind and gentle heart with a strong exterior. He had an incredible passion for the outdoors and conservation. He was a true woodsman, known for wearing flannel shirts and jeans in all seasons, and able to identify every tree and animal by its Latin name.

In his early years, he took great pride in keeping his many vehicles, motorcycles and boats in pristine condition. He cherished his house on Goodyear Lake, where his children grew up swimming and boating. South Mountain was another favorite spot, where he originally built a cabin and later a lodge and trout pond. Many hunts were followed by stories shared around the hearth of the wood stove.

Later in life, Steve enjoyed many activities and laughs with his longtime companion, Patty, including traveling to places with their core group of friends such as Lake Ontario, Cape Cod and Lake Placid; hosting multiple social gatherings “up on the hill”; and Sunday dinners with family. He also loved reading, classic westerns, singin’ the oldies, and going out for ice cream with the grandkids after school.

He was an active member of the Oneonta American Legion and Elks Lodge, where he established and hosted the very successful annual William M. Naatz Memorial Sportsman’s Game Dinner for more than 30 years. He was also a member of the Sixth Ward Athletic Club of Oneonta.

Steve is preceded by his parents, Audrey and Bill; sister Julie Naatz; and brothers William “Rick” and Kevin Naatz.

He will be dearly missed by his longtime partner, Patty Carimando of Schenevus; children Ryan Naatz of Goodyear Lake, Tasha Naatz (Aaron Fuller) of Boston, Susan Carimando of Schenevus, Anthony Carimando (Amanda) of Schenevus, and Angelo Carimando (Megan Connolly) of Oneonta; grandchildren, Alexis, Anthony, Amelia and Tony of Schenevus; sister, Pamela Naatz-Runner of San Diego, CA; nephew, Justin Naatz of Goodyear Lake; dog, Mickey; along with other family and close friends.

A private memorial gathering will be held for family and friends later this month.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326; www.sqspca.org.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home website, www.lhpfuneralhome.com.