Stephen R. de Poortere

Stephen Robert de Poortere, 58, of Branchburg, passed away on March 15, 2014 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He was born on May 26, 1955 to Richard and Marion de Poortere of Basking Ridge, NJ. Steve owned and operated his own welding business and was a mechanic by trade. He was a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain. He previously was employed at Marinaccio Excavating and was the owner of Amoco gas station in Bernardsville in the late 70's. His true passion was captaining his boat. He was an avid fisherman and diver. Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Terri Bolink de Poortere; his dear parents, Richard and Marion de Poortere of Basking Ridge; his three cherished brothers, Richard of South Bound Brook, Christopher of Basking Ridge, and Patrick (Nancy) of Bridgewater; his two loving sisters, Kathleen (David) Jacobs of DE and Beth (Mike) Patrick of WA; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sandy and Matt Bolink of Branchburg. A Prayer Service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 US Highway 202 South, Branchburg, NJ 08876 (908) 526-7638. Viewing hours are Tuesday, March 18, 2014 from 6 to 9 PM and Wednesday, from 9:30 until time of service. Memorial contributions may be made in Steve's memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box, 5028, Hagertown, MD 21741-5028 To send a lasting tribute or condolences to the de Poortere family, please sign the online guestbook.