Lynch, Stephen Daniel 62 March 22, 1951 Dec. 28, 2013 Stephen Daniel Lynch passed away on Dec. 28, 2013. He grew up in Wrentham, Mass., graduated from the University of Georgia in 1974 and completed his M.A. at University College, Dublin in 1975. He and his wife, Elise Heer, settled down in Turner to raise their four children. Stephen worked in the health insurance industry, most recently as president of HealthNet, and sat on a variety of boards, both cultural and corporate. After retiring from corporate life, he served as the principal of St. Joseph's School in Salem for four years. He is survived by his wife of 39 years; sons, Jonah Lynch and Samuel Lynch; daughters, Ariel Lynch and Isolde Stringham; and granddaughters, Nicola and Brynn Stringham. The Mass of Christian burial will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salem.
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Grief. A shuddering and overwhelming wave of salt and wet
and thick sweetness oozing from every smile line.
Eyes that spoke and twinkled and grinned.
Easy conversation. Soul-recognized connections. Always.
Memories of a long-ago wake we celebrated with spoken fond
words of each other and the kindness of you
leading us in closing a remarkable chapter.
And now I grieve the unplanned closure of your life.
A wake of deep sadness. Unsaid things. Coach. Mentor. Humorist. Leader.
A wake of finality. No time left.
A wake to say, farewell dear friend. Fare thee well.
Fly, fly on wings of angels.
kc/12/30/13 Kathleen for Steve.
Kathleen Cary Hill
Work
December 30, 2022
Mr. Lynch will continue to be a shining example of what one of his students at St. Joseph's Grade School learned from him during his years in Salem. Our family is grateful for his generous heart and eternal smile. He lives in our hearts.
Sherry Clements
Friend
January 2, 2020
I was surprised & sad to learn only recently of Steve's passing. He was my amazing boss many years ago. His incredible affection for his family was always obvious. I'm so sorry for your loss. St. Patrick's Day & these 1st days of spring remind me of his wonderful Irish humor, stories & spirit. May God comfort & hold you in the palm of His hand.
Karen Fuller
March 19, 2014
I did keep track of Steve over the years, although never in direct contact. I know he is in heaven. Everyone goes to heaven, especially Irish men.
Praying for him and his family.
Bill and Alice Rose
March 5, 2014
Steve mentored me through my service as a seminarian at the school. His faith, wisdom, and humor, continue to inspire me today. He taught me so much not just about education, but how to live an authentic Catholic life. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that Steve and the entire family remain in my prayers.
DJ
March 2, 2014
The Lemasters Family
Ronna McHugh-Lemasters
February 22, 2014
I knew Steve through working relationships. While we were on opposite sides of the negotiating table at times, we were never on opposite sides of the important issues. Steve was one of the really good guys in health care, and in all our encounters, he never failed to leave me feeling better about life. I will miss him.
Ralph Prows
January 18, 2014
I was saddened to learn of Steve's passing today. I worked at Health Net for several years, and I thoroughly enjoyed his warmth, humor, and intelligence that ranged to places far beyond the narrow world of health care. Slan Steve, beidh tu bheith caillte.
Cindi McElhaney
January 17, 2014
I was so very sorry to read of Steve's passing. Back in the SelectCare days Steve took several hours out of his schedule to offer career advice that set me in good stead for years to come. Not only that, but he shared the most wonderful and amusing stories. Shocked and saddened to hear of his passing.
Jake Gariepy
January 17, 2014
To the Lynch family, we all lost a great man. I worked at PacifiCare with Steve in Oregon back in 1998. I left in 2001 and when I returned 18 months ago, it was on my list of things to do to reach out and see how he was doing. It goes to show how limited all of our time is here on earth and now I regret not having connected. We had a lot of laughs together during our time at PacifiCare and I remember so many of the funny stories he told. He was such a fun loving person - one Christmas, we rewrote the words to the Grinch Song to be "You're a Mean One, Mr. Lynch" and poked fun at him as our leader. He laughed and laughed at this one. It's been a tough December as my wife Kari's father passed away on December 21st so I can feel a small part of your pain and wish you all the best and the healing that your entire family will need in the coming months and years. Please accept our condolences as the world will be void of someone who generated a great deal of joy and laughter. I regret I did not get to say hello or goodbye when we moved back to Oregon in 2012. God Bless Your Family.
John R. and Kari DiPalma
813 480 2910
January 16, 2014
He was a very impressive leader at Health Net. It was a pleasure to be on his team.
Chris
January 13, 2014
So very sad. I will always remember fondly a great conversation I had with Steve after he presented at an industry event... The picture of him above reflects so well his upbeat outlook on life and everything else! My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Paul Tyo
January 13, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Stephen's passing. He was a great leader, teacher, and advisor. His sense of humor and stories still bring a smile to me, though its been many years since I have had an opportunity to visit with him. He was so proud of his family, and my prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Gerry Calonge
January 9, 2014
I've just learned of Steve's passing - I am so sorry. He was too young. He was a great leader and he was very much missed after leaving Health Net. He knew everyone's name and always greeted you with a smile. He inspired people to work hard and succeed. I am sad to know that he is no longer here to inspire and lead, but smile knowing that he is in heaven!
Tracey Gardner
January 8, 2014
My deepest condolences to you and your family Elise. I am so sorry for your loss. Steve was well regarded at Health Net and many here were saddened to hear about his passing. Steve was a kind man and even with his busy schedule as President of Health Net, he took the time to speak to the class I was attending at ULV. May God bless you and envelope you and your family with His loving presence at this time.
Monina Alvarenga
January 7, 2014
How do you summarize the impact that a man like Steve had on all of our lives. He was such a bright, smart, funny, extrodonary person without fear, without limits but with such integrity. I had no reason to know him...certainly not someone that most people at his level would have put time into...but he did. I will miss him deeply. My heart-felt, warm sympathy to his family that he always spoke so highly of. I have never met you but I feel like I have through all the wonderful stories. He was the very best. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you peace and comfort through this time of grief.
Cynthia Cameron
January 7, 2014
So deeply sorry to hear of Stephen's passing. My sympathy to family and friends.
Elaine Robinson-Frank
January 6, 2014
We meet so many people in our lives, but few bring a smile to your face at the mere thought of them. Steve was one of those people. His kind and gentle spirit will be remembered fondly. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Nancy Balogh
January 6, 2014
We were blessed in what he did for all the children at St. Joseph's. His passing has hurt like losing a member of our own family. I told him, he would be remembered by his students throughout their lives as a stand out example of a caring teacher and leader. He will certainly be remembered by me. Rest in Peace, Steve. You were the best. Marco, Erin, Alex, Kiana and Maya Giuliani
Marco Giuliani
January 4, 2014
Elise - Steve took a chance on me, when he hired me at Pacificare and that decision and his mentorship had a profound impact on my life. Although I have never met your family, I feel like I know you because of all the stories he told me over the years. I know how much he cherished each and every one of you. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Michele Lawrence
January 4, 2014
My condolences to all of Steve's extended family and friends. I remember him fondly from his time with Health Net. He was always bright, quick and approachable, making him very popular with associates.
Bruce Anderson
January 3, 2014
Oh Elise, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. He was blessed with such a wonderful family and I know he will be missed.
Jan Melsha
January 3, 2014
Mr. Lynch was a special, smart and kind man and my favorite principal. He made me feel like he was my friend too. I know he is in Heaven with Jesus and my Grandpa Jim and my cousin Andrew. My mom and grandma will miss him too.
Ella Clements-5th grade
January 3, 2014
Elise, I was truly shocked at hearing of Stephens passing. I found out too late to attend the service. I offered up my mass for him and your family and you are all in my daily prayers. He was a beautiful spiritual joyful man. I am so sorry for your loss. God bless all of you. Xoxoxoxo
Loree Danner
January 3, 2014
Our hearts are breaking to hear about Mr. Lynch's passing. He was a wonderful person, and knowing he is in Heaven gives us solace. The Groh Family, Salem
January 3, 2014
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Steve's passing. I worked with Steve at Health Net and could always count on him for support and guidance when I needed it. He was quick witted and fun to be with. Steve was a good man who left us far too soon. He will be missed by me and all those he touched in his lifetime.
Dennis Bell
January 2, 2014
What a great leader and a great man. He will be missed.
Elma Friend
January 2, 2014
He was the best of men. I am so deeply saddened to learn of his passing. He was a great leader and a symbol of honesty, ethics and community in business. I've thought of him often in the years since he left our company, as an example to emulate. He left a great legacy. Blessings to you in your time of pain.
Alicia Blevins
January 1, 2014
Elise, Daphne just told me of Stephen's passing. I am so very sorry to hear. When you feel up to it, you are welcome to give me a call and I'll come over or we can go somewhere for tea.
Aileen Kaye
January 1, 2014
The Proulx Family
Becky Proulx
January 1, 2014
Mr. Lynch was our principal for four years we really liked him and know that now he is with God.
J&J Proulx
January 1, 2014
Such an example of Christian leadership and service.
Danielle and Carlton Wise
December 31, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Steve at Pacificare and Health Net. I had so much respect for him and learned a lot about business and also about keeping priorities straight. He will be missed. Your family will be in our prayers.
wendy shaw
December 31, 2013
Steve always had a smile and a few words for us when i worked with him at Health Net. A genuinely nice person, brilliant mind, fun personality. My most sincere condolences to his family.
Patrick Coomer
December 31, 2013
Steve was a good friend of all of us in the health care industry. Common sense with a great sense of humor. I am shocked by his passing
Stephen Gregg
December 31, 2013
Dearest Elise, Jonah, Isolde, Ariel, and Sam,
Even though we are not with you at this time, and words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about your loss, we are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers. Uncle Steve brought so many gifts to so many lives. We always felt so blessed to have him as a brother-in-law and uncle. He would always light up a room when we were together with his infectious smile and laugh. He was such a pleasure to be with. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort knowing he will never be forgotten. We will always remember him in love, light, and much laughter.
Peace, Prayers, and Blessings,
Chris, Jan, Casey, Charlie and Beau Heer
December 31, 2013
I remember Steve well when he was a health insurance executive and was always amazed at his candor and honesty and forthrightness. My deepest condolences to his family. He will definitely be missed.
Diane Lund
December 31, 2013
Our family is deeply saddened by Steve's passing. He was more than a principal for the families of St. Joseph School. He was a great support to parents, the students and our church community. He was committed to the success of the students and made many improvements that will benefit the school community for years to come. He will be greatly missed by those who were blessed to have known him.
Jennifer Heidt
December 31, 2013
Elise, Jonah, Isolde, Sam and Ariel-We wish we could be with you to comfort you in your time of grief. We are thinking of you today and wishing you strength through the sadness. Elise was so wonderful and caring for us when we lost Taylor. She came to Kentucky to be with us and to care for our household. I don't know what we would have done without the kindness of your family. Please know that you all are in our hearts and prayers.
Jan, Charlie, and Lauren Mouser
December 31, 2013
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