Stephen Allan Segall

Stephen was born in Brooklyn, New York to Jacques and Gertrude Segall, and had one older brother, Robert, to whom he was very close. Although he was born in the city, at an early age Stephen enjoyed escaping to upstate New York for summers with his cousins and camping in the wilderness. He also enjoyed taking advantage of the Greyhound Bus travel deals at the time, riding across the United States and through Canada. When he was old enough, his love of motorbikes and motorcycles prompted him to trade in his Greyhound pass for a motorbike. If you were lucky enough to have conversations with Stephen, he no doubt told you some of his traveling stories.

Stephen joined the Army during the Vietnam era and served there as a Private, and later a Sergeant. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal (with Valor) for heroism in connection with military actions while working on a riverine operation; during an ambush, he worked to save the other wounded soldiers on his boat, despite having also been wounded. The Award report notes that after the boat reached safety “...Segall continued to refuse medical attention for himself until the others were treated...Segall’s personal bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself...” Those who knew Stephen would not be surprised to read this, as this was the kind of selfless man he was.

During his time in the Army, in addition to receiving the Bronze Star (with Valor), Stephen also received the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Expert Badges, and Marksman Badges.

After his military service, Stephen spent many enjoyable years at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, where he earned a B.A. in Geography. He always remarked that he loved his time in college and the beauty of Alaska. His lifelong love of nature led him at one point to consider a career in the forestry service. He also earned a M.S. from University of Southern California in Education Administration. After moving to San Diego County, he became a U.S. Postal Employee for 30+ years.

Stephen was a member of both St. Mary's Star of the Sea, and the North Coast United Methodist Church in Oceanside; he loved his church community and its amazing members.

In his spare time, Stephen enjoyed watching Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud and Cash Cab; he loved maps and had an abundance of geography knowledge. Some of his favorite activities were driving to the Carlsbad beach in the morning and having a breakfast sandwich while watching the waves and the surfers; walking the Carlsbad Flower Fields; and enjoying the Oceanside Harbor, especially with his trusty beagle. His kindness was reflected in his love of telling stories, chuckling, and making people smile.

Stephen was preceded in death by his father Jacques, mother Gertrude, and brother Robert.

Stephen’s surviving relatives include his beloved wife of 47 years, Marcelina, who was a loving, beautiful caregiver to him during the last several years of his life; his beloved children, son Jacques (Brook); daughter Victoria (Andrew); daughter Carolyn (Thomas); and five wonderful grandchildren Mohan, Joshua, Adalina, Thomas and Brannan, along with many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins throughout the U.S. and in the Philippines.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, August 19 from 4-7 p.m. followed by a Rosary from 7-8 p.m. at Eternal Hills (1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054)

A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, August 20 at 1 p.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church (609 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054), followed by the burial at Eternal Hills (1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054).

Following the burial, there will be a light reception at North Coast United Methodist Church (1501 Kelly St, Oceanside, CA 92054).

Donations can be made to the North Coast United Methodist Church in Oceanside (1501 Kelly Street, Oceanside, California 92054), or a tree may be planted in his memory:

https://onetreeplanted.org/products/gift-trees-in-memory