Remembering Stephen Yaeger

By Katie McFadden

On Friday, September 12, Stephen Yaeger, a longtime Rockaway resident, a U.S. Army veteran, a former Beach Channel High School teacher and Rockaway Music and Arts Council president, and a talented artist and writer, died. He was 89.

As noted by U.S. Army veteran Brian Galarza, Yaeger, a United States Army Korean War Veteran Staff Sergeant who resided in Belle Harbor, was a Post member of the American Legion Daniel M. O’Connell Post #272. Yaeger had enlisted in the United States Army as a Military Policeman. “On Veterans Day 2023, his nephew Sergeant Nicholas Davidman,  who currently serves in the United States Army as a Military Policeman presented him with a Unit MP helmet,” Galarza said, sharing several photos of the visit at Yaeger’s home.

In addition to his service to his country, Yaeger served his community in many ways. Many may remember him as a longtime science teacher at Beach Channel High School. “Really loved Mr. Yaeger. Whenever his class showed up on my schedule, it always put a smile on my face,” a former student, John McCarthy said on a post regarding the news of his passing on Friends of Rockaway Beach. With a love of nature and marine biology, Yaeger was also a member of the New York Biology Teachers’ Association and the New York State Marine Education Association as a teacher.

And he also expressed that love in less scientific, but rather, creative ways as an artist, especially after retiring. Yaeger, a self-taught artist, mastered the techniques of creating images in oils, watercolor, pen and ink, graphite, and charcoal. He was also a nature photographer, specializing in wildlife and the natural world. Much of his work was displayed in Rockaway Artists Alliance, where he was a past president for a brief time, and at Brooklyn Watercolor Association exhibits. He even earned a few awards for his work. Yaeger also served as longtime president of the now defunct Rockaway Music and Arts Council, helping to organize events like the Summer Picnic Concerts and Fall Festival at Riis Park.

“Today we say goodbye to our comrade in art, Steve Yaeger,” his friend and former Rockaway Artists Alliance President Dan Guarino said. “I am grateful to Steve for all the good he brought to our communities. I am thankful to Steve for his work with Rockaway Artists Alliance, laying the foundation for all it would become. And his work with the Rockaway Music and Arts Council, which brought music concerts and fairs to the enjoyment of so many. “

Among Yaeger’s many talents was also writing. He was a former columnist for The Wave, penning “Drawing on Science” and “It’s My Turn” columns until 2012. He also found time to write and illustrate a few children’s books, including “Ian and the Woodins” and “Whales, Those Magnificent Sea Animals With a Hole on Top of Their Head.”

Yaeger was married to the late Judy Yaeger, a fellow educator at Beach Channel High School. They have three children, Debbie, Howard and Sandy.

A graveside service for Stephen Yaeger took place on the morning of September 14, at the Beth David Cemetery in Elmont. “He will be missed by all those whose life he touched,” Galarza said.