Steven Robert Middaugh Sr., loving father and grandfather

BELFAST— Steven R. Middaugh, of Belfast, entered eternal life Friday (Sept. 19, 2025) at the Robert Packer Hospital following a lengthy illness.

Born Nov. 19, 1958, Steve was the son of Ralph and Ruth Middaugh of Belmont.

Steve attended Belmont Central School where he was a state title holding wrestler. During his school years he also worked the family farm alongside his father and brother Wayne.

Steve graduated high school in 1976 and went straight into the workforce milking dairy cows with Dean Scott in Belfast and running equipment with his lifelong friend Ron Martin.

In 1980 Steve married Christine E. Perry and had two children, Steven Robert Jr. and Cassy Ruth. His children were the great loves of his life. In 1990 Steve bought and ran a dairy farm in Belfast until he went to work as a welder at Air-Preheater in Wellsville in 1992. Steve enjoyed working alongside close friends and many family members at preheater, where he retired in 2019.

Steve was wildly known around the state for his love and knowledge of horses. He ran a successful business he named Bullet Express where he and his children provided riding lessons to people of all ages. Steve also co-founded the Allegany County Saddle Dusters, a horseback riding club that is still operating today.

He was known for his hard work ethic. Steve raised not only horses but fallow deer, cattle and just about every animal you can imagine. He loved big, sit down, family meals, passing on family traditions and spending his days in the saddle with friends and family.

Steve’s grandchildren were his world. His grandson Bradley was his right hand man, and his cousin Jeff Elliott was his left.

Steve is survived by his children, Steven (Joleen) Middaugh of Belfast and Cassy (Kyle) Crowner of Belmont; grandchildren, Brooke, Bradley, Sawyer, Harley and Xavier; his brother, Wayne (Val) Middaugh of Scio; and his sister, Lori (Bruce) Smith of Webster; along with many nieces and nephews.

Steve was predeceased by his father, Ralph Middaugh; and mother, Ruth Middaugh.

Steve has requested that his family take him on one last horseback ride and lay him to rest. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Allegany County 4-H program, made payable to “CCE-Allegany” to the Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County office at 5435A County Road 48, Belmont, NY 14813.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 24 Genesee Pkwy, Cuba.

Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com.