Stephen Danforth Foss

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Stephen Danforth Foss, 84, of Durham, NH, on December 20, 2025.

Stephen was born to Fred and Irene (Kavanaugh) Foss on October 13, 1941, in Sanford, ME. He grew up in Somersworth, NH. He was the first person in town to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, in 1957. He graduated from Somersworth High School in 1959 and went on to the University of New Hampshire earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in chemical engineering, and later his PhD in 1974. While an undergraduate, he married his high school sweetheart, Maureen St. Laurent.

Stephen approached life with a sense of humor, intelligence, and a genuine love for his family, earning the respect and affection of all who knew him.

His professional career included working at Eastman Kodak and many years with General Electric's Large Transformer Operations in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he served as Manager of the Thermal and Process Engineering Projects.

He later founded his own engineering consulting firm, Dynamic Systems Inc., specializing in the development of high-tech software for electrical utility applications. He was a member of Sigma Xi, AIChE, and IEEE. He held six patents and authored numerous technical publications.

Great East Lake, in East Wakefield, NH, was central to Stephen's life. His father, along with a few other family members, purchased lakefront property, making the lake a cherished Foss family destination. He spent many summers there growing up and later continued the tradition with his own family, bringing his wife and children for summer vacations, creating lasting memories. In 1997, Stephen and Maureen retired to the lake where he continued to enjoy time with his children and grandchildren. From waterskiing, fishing, picnics on the boat, to countless family gatherings, the lake was the setting for many of his happiest memories.

Some of his other favorite pastimes included playing cards, coin collecting and following all the Boston sports, with a special enthusiasm for UNH hockey.

Stephen is predeceased by both of his parents, Fred and Irene, and by his wife, Maureen.

He is survived by his sons, James Foss of Berthoud CO, and Kevin Foss of South Egremont, MA; his daughter, Kathleen Puchulu of Groton, MA; his eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Sheila White and Janice Watts.

Services: A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, at 9:30 AM at Holy Trinity Church at 404 High St. Somersworth, NH. The family will greet friends at the church from 9AM until the time of service.