Stephen M. Cheney

ST. GEORGE - Stephen Cheney quietly passed away at his home in St. George, VT, on November 25, 2025. Steve was surrounded by Judy, his wife of 52 years, daughter Krista, family, and beloved dogs. He was 71 years old.

Steve was born to Nelson and Nancy Cheney in Hartford, CT, after their car hit a tree en route to the hospital in a blinding snowstorm. Steve lived in Connecticut throughout his childhood but considered himself to be an adopted Vermonter. His lifelong love for the Green Mountain State began with spending childhood summers at his family’s home in Newark. His summers were filled with hiking, camping, and swimming in Willoughby Lake. Steve learned to say “Willoughby Lake” vs. “Lake Willoughby” from Bud Chabot, an old-time Vermonter and wonderful family friend who also taught Steve to shoot and shared many WWII stories with him.

Steve graduated from Torrington High School in 1972. He was an excellent student with a lifelong love of learning about history and reading. Steve met his future wife, Judy McLam, while both were attending Champlain College in Burlington. They later purchased a home in St. George, VT, where they spent their life.

Steve was a hard worker and worked many jobs through high school. Working was a means of responsibility to those he loved. After college, Steve worked at Vermont Hardware Company, St. Johnsbury Trucking, Burlington Rent-All, and Vermont Tent Company.

Steve also played hard. He and Judy collected salt and pepper shakers after becoming intrigued by the numerous collectable kinds. They took many Sunday trips looking for them and went to salt and pepper shaker conventions. They took trips to Las Vegas to see comedy shows, ride the roller coaster, and gamble a bit. Steve camped with friends at Button Bay State Park and went to Daytona 500 parties

His greatest passion of all, though, was fishing. Steve and Judy started fishing in a small boat and moved up to a bass boat. They went to major FLW and B.A.S.S. fishing tournaments as co-anglers and as spectators at tournaments in Plattsburgh, NY. After winning a trip to Australia, Steve and Judy went marlin and wahoo fishing in Bermagui N.S.W. Fishing was a means of being with friends and family and of being in nature. When asked why he loved nature, Steve replied, “In nature there is peace and quiet. In peace and quiet there is bliss.”

Steve received and gave much love and admiration from and to his wife’s family, the McLams of Waits River, VT. Their dedication to family, work ethic, and goodness contributed much to his life. Steve learned carpentry from his father-in-law, Robert, and he saw good examples of partnership from Robert and his wife, Leota.

Steve loved dogs and shared his life with many. A sweet Bluetick hound named Daisy held a special place in his heart. When asked why dogs were so special he said, “They are pure and inspire compassion.”

Steve was a good man, intelligent, handsome, loyal, and dedicated to his family and friends. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, animals, and learning about anything historical. Steve, we’ll find you in the forests, fields, lakes, and streams. We’ll find you in the smell of warm dog fur, fall leaves, and pine. We will meet you there.

Steve is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter Krista; sister Ellen Cheney Friedler and her husband Don of Rochester, NY; brother Todd Cheney of Lancaster, NH; sister-in-law Lois McLam Cote and her husband Armand of Burlington; sister-in-law Sue McLam; aunt Sally Cheney of Enfield, CT; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother Nancy Cheney Rovero and stepdad Jim; father Nelson Cheney; brother Scott Cheney; and uncles Adrian Cheney and Al Scranton.

Per his wishes there will be no visiting hours. Burial will be a private gathering in the spring at Waits River Cemetery. For those who would like to honor Steve, please consider a contribution to North Country Animal League (www.ncal.com) or Long Trail Canine Rescue (www.longtraildogs.org).

Many thanks to Home Health and Hospice for their support. Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home in Bradford. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com.