Stephen William Freihofer worked in the family business, the Freihofer Baking Company, until it was sold at which point he fulfilled his dream of buying a motor home and taking his family on many trips.

He died peacefully in his home on Feb. 13, 2026, after a short battle with cancer, at the age of 74. He was the son of the late Charles Freihofer and Phoebe Bell Freihofer and the late Mary Moore.

Born on Sept. 23, 1951 in Albany, he grew up in Albany and attended Albany schools.

“He graduated from Riverview School in East Sandwich, Massachusetts in 1970,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He married Sandra Eustace in September 1970, having three children together and later divorcing.

“Steve worked for the family business, the Freihofer Baking Company, in Schenectady and Albany until 1987 when the company was sold. At that time, Steve fulfilled his dream of buying a motor home and taking his family on many trips.

“On July 15, 2001, Steve went on to marry the love of his life, Cynthia Davis Scherer. A few months later, on Dec. 30, 2001, they set off to begin traveling and living in their motorhome full-time. Together, they spent 21 years traveling the United States.

“Steve and Cindy enjoyed many adventures together on their ‘endless honeymoon.’ In 2022, they bought a home in Clifton Park to be close to his children and their grandchildren.

“Steve will be remembered for his great smile and laugh, including the private jokes with his grandchildren. His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family knew no bounds.

“Steve was well-known for his thankfulness and appreciation of others. He had a great love of all things electrical, medical, and of animals, especially dogs. His dog, Molly, had a special place in his heart.”

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Stephen William Freihofer is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Cynthia “Cindy” Davis Freihofer, and his children, John (Claudia) Freihofer of Delmar, Brian (Jennessa) Freihofer of Scotia, Deborah (Joshua) Lawrence of Berne, Daniel (Cynthia) Scherer of Fort Worth, and Jill (Shaun) Burdo of Latham.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Emma, Maddison, Ryan, Natalya Freihofer, Allison Baerga, Hailey, Mackenzie, Kadence, Jake Lawrence, Nikolas, Isabella, Johnathan Freihofer, Daniel (Raquel), Jonathan, Layla Scherer, and Carter Burdo, and his great-granddaughter, Inezia Scherer.

He is survived, too, by his siblings, Wendy Wright of South Carolina, Belinda (Nicholas) Boit of New York, John Rother of Vermont and, Melinda Price of New York; the mother of his children, Sandra Eustace; and his in-laws, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

“A very special thanks to Dr. Kelly Beers, Shariza Maralit, Dr. Mackenzi Evangelist, and all of the staff at Albany Medical Center for their assistance during Steve’s journey with cancer,” his family wrote. “A heartfelt thank-you to Serenity Associates, Deana and staff who cared for him with the utmost compassion during his final days.”

Viewing hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Feb. 20 at Reilly and Son Funeral Home, 9 Voorheesville Ave, Voorheesville, NY 12186, with funeral services directly following.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Post Office Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116, or to your local animal shelter.