Stefan Stanley Mikulski

Stefan Stanley Mikulski, known to all as Steve, of Hopkinton, passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2025, at the age of 88.Born on November 5, 1936, in New Bedford, MA, Steve was the son of Bernard L. and Anastayza Macek Mikulski. He grew up in Milton, MA, alongside his sister, Theresa. Steve pursued his passion for engineering, graduating from Northeastern University. It was during his college years that he met Carole, the love of his life, at a dance. Their connection was immediate, and he proposed during his senior week before enlisting in the U.S. Navy.
After being stationed in Virginia Beach and honorably discharged, the couple returned to Massachusetts. Steve embarked on a distinguished career at Digital Equipment Corporation that lasted more than 32 years as employee #591. Once retired, he and Carole moved to Florida, where Steve indulged his passion for cooking, beginning a second career as a chef at Cedar Creek Assisted Living. He continued to work until he and Carole returned to Massachusetts in the spring of 2019 to be closer to family.
Steve and Carole shared a remarkable 65-year journey together. A cherished tradition was their lifetime of summers and vacations at Lake Arrowhead in North Waterboro, ME. There, Steve found solace escaping on his sailboat with a cigar, enthusiastically organizing community spaghetti suppers and blueberry pancake breakfasts, or enjoying spirited games of horseshoes with "the gang."
Steve was a man of many talents and interests. He was a wonderful cook, a dedicated chess player, and an avid gardener who found immense joy in nature and the outdoors. He had a particular fondness for old westerns, war movies, and action films, with James Bond and Star Wars being among his favorites. A passionate photographer, he was often the one behind the lens, capturing countless cherished family moments. Those who had the pleasure of meeting Steve often remarked on his dapper style and his playful sense of humor.
Above all, Steve was a devoted husband, a loving Dad, and a cherished Dziadziu. He possessed an incredible work ethic, rarely spending a day relaxing. He and Carole were blessed with a large and loving family, including 8 children, 12 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Together, they were strong advocates for children, serving as foster parents for over a decade and warmly welcoming more than 20 children into their home.
Steve was preceded in death by his beloved Carole in 2023. He is survived by his brother-in-law Steven (and Linda) Olsen of Negaunee, MI; his children Chris (and Laurie) Mikulski of Milford, Larry (and Ellen) Mikulski of Burlington, Janet (and Daniel) Messcher of Live Oak, FL, James Mikulski (and Noreen Falco) of N. Waterboro, ME, John (and Sylvia) Mikulski of Welland, Ontario, Laura (and Bruce) Connolly of Hopkinton, Charlene Fichman of Springvale, ME, and Spike (and Lisa Reitman) Mikulski of N. Scituate, RI.
All are welcome to join in a mass celebrating Steve's life at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Southboro MA on September 15, 2025 at 10:00am.