Search by Name

Search by Name

STEPHEN WESSLER Obituary

WESSLER, Stephen Human Rights Advocate & Educator Of Bar Harbor, Maine, a lifelong advocate for civil and human rights, died on March 10, 2025, at the age of 73, after living with Alzheimer's disease. He was surrounded by family and friends and was at peace. Steve grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts and St. Louis, Missouri and attended Harvard College and Boston University School of Law. He worked for two decades at the Maine Attorney General's office, where he launched and directed a civil rights enforcement unit. Steve founded the Center for Preventing Hate in Portland and later worked as an independent advocate and educator countering hate, discrimination and violence in Maine and around the U.S. and the world. Steve found beauty in nature, great novels, jazz and his family. He is survived by his sons, their partners, his granddaughters, his brothers and their spouses, his partner, his two former spouses, his niece and nephews and their families and dear friends who, to Steve, were family too. Donations in his honor should be made to Preble Street, preblestreet.org or the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, ilapmaine.org

View the online memorial for Stephen WESSLER

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Mar. 14 to Mar. 16, 2025.

Make a Donation
in STEPHEN WESSLER's name

Memorial Events
for STEPHEN WESSLER

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support STEPHEN's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor STEPHEN WESSLER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more