Theodore Stein

WOODSTOCK….. Theodore J. “Ted” Stein, 84, died Saturday,  August 26, 2023 at the Health Alliance Hospital from complications of bilateral extremity paralysis and cervical/thoracic stenosis.

Ted received his Ph.D in social work from UCBerkeley and his J.D. from Albany law School.  For 30 years he was the Professor of Social Policy in the School of Social Welfare at SUNY-Albany.  His, The Role of Law in Social Work Practice and Administration, (Columbia University Press, 2004) became a standard textbook in law and social work schools.

For 20 years he practiced family law in Ulster County as assigned counsel for children-at-risk and troubled families.   After retiring he continued to serve as assigned counsel on appeals by indigent incarcerated clients.

He met his partner, Gary Comstock, in 1984 when they were volunteers in GMHC.  They soon moved to Woodstock and later, in 2011 when New York passed the Marriage Equality Act, married.

Ted is survived by his daughter, Wendie DeShotel of Houston, his cousin, Sheila Pastore of Portland, Oregon, his cousin, Dianna Wiegner of Thailand and their sons, daughters, and grandchildren.

His service and burial in the Woodstock Cemetery will be held privately.   In lieu of flowers or donations, do something kind for someone who is not expecting it.   

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