Stephen “Gus” Tice, 58

Stephen Damien “Gus” Tice passed away peacefully on September 30, 2022, at his home on Bellevue Terrace in Tupper Lake.

Stephen was born at Mercy General Hospital in Tupper Lake, on Sat., April 7, 1962, to Lois and Frank Tice.

Stephen was born at a time when children with Down Syndrome were often institutionalized, but his mother and father vowed to raise him alongside his six brothers and two sisters, who were waiting at home for their new baby brother.

Lois fought for Stephen to receive the same accessibility, programs, equality, and benefits as any child would receive during a time when there were no programs or services, or these resources were in their infancy.

Stephen spent his early childhood much like anyone raised in Tupper Lake— exploring and loving the outdoors. Every morning, he would go to work with his father, and a taxi would pick him up and bring him to school. Stephen had a charge slip at Joe LeBoeuf’s Store on Broad Street where he could get candy, ice cream, or a pop, and his father, Frank would stop by and pay the slip each week.

Everyone, throughout his life in New York and Florida, had a hand in loving and raising Stephen to be the ray of sunshine he was. Stephen always had a smile and wave for all of his friends.

In 1981, Lois and Frank retired and moved to Titusville, Florida. There, Stephen attended schools and programs in Brevard County, where he earned his IEP Diploma. He learned life skills, and to dance and create art. Upon earning his diploma, Stephen was employed at Burger King in Titusville, Fla. He worked there for years helping to keep the dining room clean and well-stocked.

Stephen participated in the Special Olympics in Florida throughout the 1980s and mid-1990s. He was a medal-winning swimmer and bowler. Stephen was also a Boy Scout and enjoyed participating in various outings and camping.

In 1999, Lois, Frank, and Stephen, moved back to Tupper Lake where Stephen continued his love for swimming, bowling and the arts.

Stephen was employed at McDonald’s, and later at St. Joseph’s Rehab. Center in Saranac Lake. Stephen volunteered his time for many local organizations and he was an active member of St. Alphonsus Church.

Upon retirement, Stephen enjoyed traveling around the country visiting his relatives. He flew alone on several occasions to visit his family in Tennessee, California, and Idaho.

Stephen was a life-long artist and crafter. He spent many hours making beaded creations at Newt and Karen’s studio downtown. If you received a beaded gift from Stephen, you should know that he loved you! Stephen also enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels, going out to lunch, and shopping at local shops in the Tupper area with his friends Patti and Kay.

Stephen is survived by his brother Gary Tice, of Nashville, Tenn.; his brother John (Karen) Tice, of Saranac Lake, N.Y.; his sister, Mary (Scott) Chartier, of Tupper Lake; his sister-in-law, Cathy Tice of Tupper Lake; and his cousins MaryAnn Tebo of Tupper Lake, Ron Bovay of Herman, N.Y., and Charlotte Kowalski of Taylors, S.C.

Stephen has many nieces and nephews: Matt (Aimee) Tice, Australia; Eric Tice, Tennessee; Elizabeth (Scott) Watson, Idaho; Tori (Sava) Knezevich, California; Frank (Jen) Tice, Tupper Lake, N.Y.; Joe (Chantel) Tice, Texas; Nina (Chris) Hare, Tupper Lake, N.Y.; Kristen (Curtis) Hutchins, Saranac Lake, N.Y.; Jen (Nick) McKay, Lake Placid, N.Y.; Zach (Jenna) Chartier, Tupper Lake; and Jake Chartier, Washington. Stephen has 23 grand nieces and nephews who he adored and loved spending time with.

Stephen was predeceased by his parents, Franklin Joseph Tice | (1999), and Lois Evelyn O'Neil Tice (2015); his brothers, Patrick James Tice (1981); Paul Leon Tice (1988); David Mark Tice (1995); and Franklin Joseph Tice Il (2002); and his sister, Catherine Ann Tice Marler (2005).

In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider a donation to the Patrick Tice Memorial Scholarship or to High Peaks Hospice. Graveside Service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Stephen’s family would especially like to thank the wonderful, loving and caring staff at Bellevue Terrace where Stephen lived for the past couple of years.