Stephen Joseph Stepenuck, Jr.

Stephen “Steve” Joseph Stepenuck, Jr., PhD a resident of Swanzey, NH, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to the late Elizabeth F. (Coughlin) and Stephen J. Stepenuck, Sr. on October 12, 1937, in Salem, MA. Steve graduated from St. Mary’s School class of 1955 in Lynn, MA. He received his BS in Chemistry from Merrimack College, MS in Chemistry from the College of the Holy Cross, and PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of New Hampshire. In 1968, Steve exchanged vows with the love of his life, Therese “Terry” M. LaMontagne at St. Joseph’s Parish in Salem, MA. Dr. Stepenuck worked as a professor of Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Industrial Safety and Health for Keene State College (KSC) for 33 years, retiring in 2003. Prior, Steve taught chemistry at Merrimack College and at the University of New Hampshire. He has published many articles on chemical safety and health. He was a 67-year member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and actively engaged in activities of the Northeastern Section of ACS. He received numerous awards during his career. These included the Distinguished Teaching Award of the KSC Alumni Association in 1981, the Community Service Award from KSC in 2003, NEACT’s John A. Timm award in chemical education in 2008, and conservation awards from the Cheshire County Conservation District and the Monadnock Chapter of the Sierra Club. Steve dedicated much of his free time to his community. He served for 35 years on the Swanzey Conservation Commission and for 48 years as a NH Hunter Safety Instructor. He helped establish the Ashuelot River Local Advisory Committee and the Ashuelot River monitoring program. He also served as president of both the New England Association of Chemistry Teachers (NEACT) and the Cheshire County Retired Educators’ Association. He was a proud member of the Parish of the Holy Spirit in Keene, NH. Steve had a passion for gardening, and especially loved sharing his vegetables with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, attending family reunions, and being with his family. Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Terry, of Swanzey, their children, Katie Murphy and husband Ian of Windham, NH, Kristine Stepenuck and husband Christophe Stoelinga of South Burlington, VT, and Scott Stepenuck and wife Cynthia of Ballston Spa, NY. Steve is also survived by his sister, Joanne Kench and husband Paul of Needham, MA, his eight grandchildren and several godchildren, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Steve was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Frances Stepenuck. Calling hours will be from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH 03431. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Saint Bernard’s Catholic Church 185 Main St. Keene, NH 03431. A private burial will take place later in 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul of Keene, 173 Main St. Keene, NH 03431(svdpkeene.org) or to the Society for Protection of New Hampshire Forests, 54 Portsmouth St, Concord, NH 03301 (forestsociety.org). All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

Tributes

Stephen Joseph Stepenuck, Jr.

October 12, 1937 - January 23, 2025