Stephen Rogers Albright died on Sunday morning, April 19, 2020, in Burlington.
He was born on July 13, 1949, in Hagerstown, Md., the son of Roger Lynch Albright and Jeanne Stewart Fraser Albright. Stephen spent his early years growing up in the Mendon and Rutland area, which provided him with many fond memories. His family later moved to Burlington, where he attended Burlington High School and the University of Vermont.
Stephen was a self-taught musician who learned to play guitar in his late teens. He was involved with local bands such as Sass, the Lights and Fake Cities, which played at school dances and local hot spots such as the Mill in Winooski and Hunt’s and Nectar’s in Burlington. He wrote many original pieces of music and became an excellent guitarist with a soulful touch. He was always glad to be a mentor to young up-and-coming guitarists. He was also creative in many other artistic areas, such as drawing, painting and leathercraft.
In his mid- to late twenties, Stephen developed both mental and physical disabilities that he suffered from throughout his adult life. He still pursued his music and other artistic pursuits when he could and lived most of his adult life in an apartment at 101 College Street in downtown Burlington. He loved to walk on the marketplace and was a friendly face to many folks on the street and in the stores he frequented. As his health failed, he stayed at home more and finally moved to Birchwood Terrace for the last years of his life.
Once he moved to Birchwood, his friends and family noticed a big change in Stephen’s attitude and well-being. He finally seemed at peace and happy with his day-to-day life. He participated in many activities there and was back to his social, sweet self. He enjoyed talking to us on the phone about his experiences and the friends he was meeting. He laughed again and was able to spread his love and joy to everyone around him. Even during his quarantine due to contracting the coronavirus, he maintained a positive attitude and talked with us on the phone. We were able to Zoom with him a couple of times on his last day due to the thoughtful and caring PA at Birchwood who kept us apprised of his condition.
We are very grateful to all the health care professionals and workers for the care Stephen received at Birchwood, especially during this very difficult time. Please take comfort in knowing Stephen went to rest under the best possible care conditions, thanks to the attention of his family and friends, and the staffs of Birchwood Terrace, UVM Medical Center and Howard Mental Health.
After hearing the news of Stephen’s passing, his cousin Barbara said, “Above all, I think, Stephen believed in love.”
Stephen is survived by his brothers Andrew and David, his sister Jody, his cousins, and loving friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Elizabeth (Libby) Fraser Albright.
As far back as we can remember, Stephen always left a phone message when he couldn’t reach us and always signed off with, “Over and out for now. Love, your brother Stephen.”
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date to be announced.
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This article appears in Apr 15-21, 2020.
People can add remarks and remembrances at http://corbinandpalmer.com
All the response is much appreciated by the family and friends.
Stephen was a trouper (trooper?). Best, David
Thank you.
Check out the corbinandpalmer site for remarks and memories. David
I remember Stephen when we were growing up in the Rutland area. A sweet young man with a charming smile and an engaging manner, he was one of our class artists.
Stephen, you live long in our memories:
Bruce McKenzie and I remembering our time on Grove Street. Julie the LL and proprietor of The Mill in Winooski.
Our two young sons, Owen and Willy. The sweet gifts of legos and match book cars you sweetly gave. Raucous days of running toddlers, especially Willy Dee riding his rocking horse, lifting it six inches from the floor and bang! Our apologies to Stephen and his reply ” It ‘s ok, I knew he was having fun” Sums up your sweet soul. Thinking of everyone who loved Stephen and his miraculous gifts of music & tenderness.
I will always miss your requests for Tom Petty, Michael Jackson (Man in the Mirror) and Bonnie Tyler! Be at peace now brother…
Oh, Zen
Well, I woke up
to the sound of voices
in a lonely room;
Or I’m high on my feet/
And I’m out of the street
With a lonely moon….
When the spirits are racing, and
the night is embracing
me with a lonely tune…
That’s when I’m sure to feel it;
The sky has a million eyes –
Strangers in foreign colored t-shirts;
What a wonderful disguise….
Oh, Zen…..(I heard a noise behind you….)
Oh, Zen…..(she be taken by surprise….)
Oh, Zen…..(You know they’re sure to find you….)
Oh, Zen….Oh, Zen….Oh, Zen….Oh, Zen…………………………………………………….
Stephen Albright, 1981
Stephen possessed a gentle soul and artistic heart. He made his own guitars. They were works of art in their own right and sounded great after much tinkering. Stephen was fearless and generous on stage. Burlington will not be the same without him.
Richard Kellogg
Olympia, WA
Oh, Zen
Well, I woke up –
to the sound of voices
in a lonely room;
Or I’m high on my feet/
And I’m out on the street
With a lonely moon…
When the spirits are racing, and
the night is embracing
me with a lonely tune….
That’s when I’m sure to feel it;
The sky has a million eyes –
Strangers in foreign colored t-shirts;
What a wonderful disguise…..
Oh, Zen…..(I heard a noise behind you….)
Oh, Zen…..(she be taken by surprise….)
Oh, Zen…..(You know they’re sure to find you….)
Oh, Zen….Oh, Zen….Oh, Zen….Oh, Zen……………………….
Stephen Albright, 1981
Stephen possessed a gentle soul and artistic heart. He made his won guitars. They were works of art in their own right and sounded great after much tinkering. Stephen was fearless and generous on stage.
Burlington will not be the same without his presence.
Richard Kellogg
Olympia, WA
Thank you to Richard, Jon, Mary, and Kim for your kind remarks about Stephen. It helps the family to know that he is remembered. Much appreciated. Best, David S. Albright
Stephen was one of the first truly technical musicians that I had the pleasure of meeting over the years. I still can picture him performing on stage at one of my family’s Charity Fairs in Essex Junction. My siblings and I, combined with numerous kids from the area would put it on every summer to raise money for the Cancer Fund in the memory of our departed mother. One the highlights of the event was a multi-Band, non-stop-music dance. Stephen and SASS was one of our go-to bands for several years. He was always willing to perform for a good cause and managed to help convince other members of the band to play the event every year for what amounted to traveling costs only.
When I think of Stephen, I think of his long locks of hair surrounding a Gibson Les Paul with… thanks to his mastery of the fretboard… fantastic sounds eminating from his amplifier!
Unfortunately, we’ve lost yet another talented musician from this earth. But, I will not complain. Because, our loss is heaven’s gain!
May you rest in peace, Stephen… and may GOD’s blessings fall upon all of your family members and friends who must certainly be struggling emotionally with your departure. “Over and out”.
Richard Workman
Jericho,VT
1980-83ish I was living on Chase St. and visited Stephen frequently at 32 Grove St. which was my old apartment, too. We shared stories and had that friendship basis and trust. Stephen sold me my first electric guitar, which he had modified. He put a sticker on it that read “Red Guitarz: Chris Keith model.” Stephen was so kind, with never a bad word about anyone. I still practice chord changes he added to Smokestack Lightnin’ a cool suggestion that wasn’t in the original Wolf version. Bless his soul.
Stephen was such a gentle soul, talented musician and beautiful boyfriend and friend. He taught me to drive a standard vehicle… Once, I was stuck on a hill in my bright orange car, barefoot, and had forgotten to bring my license. Stephen calmly explained how to get up over the hill, and patiently waited. A cop came by…I felt nervous, until Stephen explained the situation and we all laughed.
The cop left and I finally got over that hill… After Stephen took the wheel for a few moments. He was like that, helpful, caring, honest. And brilliant under that gentle exterior… He made this harsh world a softer place. Condolences to all.