Stephen J. Vazzano

Stephen "Steve" Vazzano, born Oct. 15, 1949, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, passed away Sept. 4, 2025, in Hyde Park. He was 75 years old, the son of Stephen C. and Marjorie Dull Vazzano.

Steve's early life was spent in Trumbull, Connecticut, sharing a neighborhood with many aunts, uncles and dozens of cousins.

A self-taught man with an insatiable curiosity and a deep appreciation for learning from others, Steve carved out a remarkable life defined by hard work, creativity and a passion for sharing his talents. His journey took him across states and through many vocations - each chapter marked by dedication and innovation.

In his early years, Steve built a log cabin for his family in New Hampshire, complete with a sawmill he constructed himself. This pioneering spirit carried through the rest of his life. He worked as a butcher for various farms before channeling his love of food into a culinary career that would become one of his proudest achievements.

He married Suzanne Solon in 1969 and together they raised four children. As an executive chef, Steve's passion for cooking and organic gardening led him to own and operate, for more than three decades, the Three Bears Restaurant in Westport, Connecticut - widely recognized as the number one restaurant in the state at the time.

Later in life, Steve and Suzanne moved to Florida to semi-retire but soon re-discovered their love of New England and found new inspiration in Stowe, Vermont. Steve and Suzanne renovated and opened the Three Bears at the Fountain Bed and Breakfast, which they operated for years. Under their care and vision, the B&B quickly became top-rated accommodation in the area, a testament to their hospitality and commitment to excellence.

Steve's interests were as diverse as they were profound. Beyond cooking and gardening, he pursued aviation and became a licensed pilot. His love of flight reflected his adventurous nature and desire to explore new horizons.

Faith played a central role in Steve's life. Deeply spiritual with a strong love of God, he practiced his beliefs openly and shared them with others. He was an active member of Black Rock Church in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he found community and purpose through worship.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Suzanne Vazzano and their children Douglas, Jennifer and Mary Vazzano. He is survived by his son Stephen C. Vazzano and fiancé Maria Hill of Glover, and three grandchildren, Douglas Scoran of Hyde Park, Brooke Vazzano of California, and Jessica Vazzano of Colorado. He also leaves a brother, Larry, in Maryland and a second brother, Anthony, in New Hampshire, and several nieces. Following the death of his wife, Steve shared the last few years of his life with Tara Jakobs, a devoted and significant companion to his very last day of life.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to all who hear his story. A celebration of life will be held Oct. 19 from noon-4 p.m. at Steve's Home, 2866 Center Road, Hyde Park, VT 05655.