Obituary of Stephen F. Lungen
Liberty, NY
Steve Lungen, 80, of Liberty, NY, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Born in Monticello, NY, Steve lived a life of extraordinary honor and devotion — to his country, his community, and above all, his beloved family. He was, in every sense of the word, a man who chose service over self at every turn.
Steve’s commitment to civil service was the thread that ran through every chapter of his life. Before embarking on his distinguished legal career, he attended the University of Miami and then Brooklyn Law School. Steve was drafted into the Army after his first year of law school and completed Officer Candidate School at Ft Benning, GA. Steve served as a Lieutenant in Vietnam earning two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart among other medals. He returned home from the service to complete law school and was hired as an Assistant District Attorney of Sullivan County, New York.
Steve’s sense of duty and conviction were a testament to a life well lived in service to others. That conviction found its fullest expression in the law. A lifelong attorney, Steve served with remarkable distinction as the District Attorney of Sullivan County, New York for 28 years. He approached the office not merely as a career, but as a sacred public trust. Colleagues knew him as a man of unimpeachable integrity, and the residents of Sullivan County knew him as a tireless guardian of justice. His 28 years as District Attorney stand as a testament to what honorable public service truly looks like.
Yet Steve’s dedication to his community extended far beyond the courtroom. He was a proud and lifelong member of the Mountaindale Fire Department, including being a Past Chief, answering the call alongside his neighbors with the same quiet courage he had shown on the battlefield. He gave generously of his time and talents to numerous community organizations throughout Sullivan County, believing deeply that strong communities are built by people willing to show up, roll up their sleeves, and do the work. Steve was always that person.
Steve is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Eileen, whose love and companionship were the cornerstone of his life. He is also survived by his two sons: Richard, 55, of Chappaqua, New York, and his wife Pamela; and Matthew, 52, of Cranston, Rhode Island, and his wife Delara. He was a cherished grandfather to five grandchildren — Jeffrey, 23; Jason, 22; Joshua, 20; James, 18; and Ava, 15 — who knew him as a towering presence of warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love. Steve is also survived by his brother, Gary Lungen of Delray Beach, FL.
Steve was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Lungen.
Steve faced his final chapter with the same strength, grace, and dignity that defined his entire life. He leaves behind not only a family who adored him, but a community forever shaped by his decades of honorable service. The Sullivan County he loved is better for having had him.
A funeral service will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:30am at the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse – Sullivan County Community College, 112 College Rd, Loch Sheldrake, NY 12759 with military honors observed at the conclusion of the service. Interment will immediately follow at the Mountaindale Synagogue Cemetery, Marsh Road, Glen Wild, NY. Family and friends are invited to gather, immediately following, at the Mountaindale Fire Department, 132 Main St, Mountain Dale, NY 12763.
Shiva will be held on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, April 19-21, 2025 from 11:00am to 7:00pm.
Steve Lungen — Veteran, Counselor, Public Servant, Firefighter, Husband, Father, Grandfather. May he rest in eternal peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The Mountaindale Fire Department, 132 Main Street, Mountaindale, NY12763, The Hebrew Congregation of Mountaindale, P.O. Box 156, Mountaindale, NY 12763, or to any veterans’ organizations.
Arrangements are honorably entrusted to the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home - 845-794-7474 or www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.
