Stephen M. Hale , 47, of New York City, passed away at St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab Center Sunday morning, Sept. 7, 2008, after a lingering illness. He was born in St. Johnsbury July 17, 1961, the youngest son of Richard and Jeanne (Cormier) Hale. His father predeceased him April 19, 2006. Stephen attended St. Johnsbury schools and graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1979. He studied at the Rhode Island School of Design 1979-1982. He then moved to New York City to pursue his career in art. A portrait artist, Stephen excelled in capturing the likeness of the picture/image on which he was working. In the 1980s, he worked as an illustrator for the New Yorker magazine. Stephen was in a show at Bridgewater Lustberg Gallery on Broadway; had at least nine one-person shows, and participated in over a dozen shows at galleries and museums throughout New York and Sweden. His last show was at Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury Jan. 26, 2007. Stephen was a kind and caring person who loved his family and friends. He enjoyed watching old movies, especially "The Wizard of Oz." He had a rich and full life and took opportunities to travel. He is survived by his mother, Jeanne Hale of St. Johnsbury; four brothers: David Hale and wife Lyric of Winnetka, Ill., John Hale of St. Johnsbury, James Hale of Philadelphia, Pa., Gary Hale of West Burke; his uncle John Hale and wife Jeannene of St. Johnsbury; nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no visiting hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions could be directed to Catamount Arts, PO Box 324, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.