Bangor – Stephen Talbot Emery passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on February 5th,2015. He was born May 22, 1948 in Bangor to the late Lawrence W. Emery and Virginia (Moulton) Emery. He graduated from Bangor High School, class of 1966 and Southern Connecticut State College, New Haven, CT in 1970. He then worked for the California Department of Water Resource Control while attending The University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, CA, graduating with a Juris Doctorate in 1976. Upon returning to Bangor in 1977, he and his partner and friend David Leen established a law practice, Leen and Emery. In his practice of law, Steve distinguished himself as one of the most prominent workers’ compensation lawyers in the State of Maine. He was a member of the Maine State Bar Association, Penobscot County Bar Association, Maine Trial Lawyers Association and the Defense Research Institute.

In addition to practicing law, Steve was an active member of Beth Abraham Synagogue in Bangor, serving as Financial Secretary and on the Chevra Kadisha. He was a board member for both the Jewish Community Endowment Association and the Jewish Community Center, and served as Chairman of the Bangor chapter of the United Jewish Appeal. Aside from his commitment to the Jewish community, he took special pride in his time as Chairman of the Board of New Hope Hospice in Eddington, Maine. A lifelong fly fishing enthusiast, he became an avid member and supporter of the Eddington, Veazie and Penobscot Salmon Clubs.

Steve led a balanced life, with his top priority being his family and many friends. He was a man of great decency, humility, intelligence and wit, who truly lived up to his fullest potential.

Steve is survived by his wife of 44 years, Louise Shindler and two children, Aaron Emery of Tucson, AZ, and Polly Emery of Boston, MA; four brothers, Larry Emery Jr. and wife Maggie of Williamsport, PA, Phil Emery of Brewer, Tim Emery of Bucksport, and Tom Emery and wife Jill of Cape Elizabeth; a sister Margaret Wagner and husband Robert of Howell, NJ; brothers-in-law Sam Shindler and wife Claire of Hamden, CT, and Raymond Shindler of Atlanta, GA; as well as many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces, and dear friends. Those who wish to remember Steve in a special way may send gifts in his memory to Beth Abraham Synagogue, 145 York Street, Bangor, ME 04401 or to New Hope Hospice, 134 Maine Rd, Eddington, ME 04428.

Funeral Services will be held 12 noon, Sunday, February 8th, at the Jewish Funeral Chapel, 118 Center Street, Bangor followed by interment at the Beth Abraham Cemetery. During the week of Shiva, visiting hours will be Monday – Thursday from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-8pm, and Friday from 10am-12pm.
The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to Dr. Ricardo Komotar of the University of Miami and Dr. Sigrid Berg of CancerCare of Maine. The family also would like to thank the staff of both Community Health and Counseling Services and New Hope Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com