Steven Joseph Stafstrom

Steven Joseph Stafstrom, 67, of Nebo, NC, passed away on August 13, 2025, after a courageous, seven-year battle with cancer.

Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on July 2, 1958, he was the son of the late John Francis Stafstrom and Joan Oberer Stafstrom. He was a graduate of Newington High School in Connecticut and a devoted alumnus of St. Anselm's College and the University of Notre Dame, where he played rugby and graduated with an Electrical Engineering degree.

As a businessman, Steven was a successful and well-respected Manufacturing Operations Executive, having worked at Textron at the Stratford (CT) Army Engine Plant and for 2 decades at Stanley Black and Decker, where he retired as a Senior Operations Executive, holding a Board position. He was a leader and a mentor, intrepid in his endeavors. While being a savvy executive, he was an optimist who always looked for the good in others.

Those who knew Steven knew of his great passion for all things Notre Dame. He was an avid football fan, becoming a season ticket holder, which was a great point of pride for him. He loved being able to take his family to tour the campus, share the Irish spirit, tailgate, and cheer the team on to victory.

Steven was a loving father, grandfather, and brother, and had a great love for his large extended family. Steve especially relished the Stafstrom Family Christmas Eve, a tradition started by his Father, and he took on the task of preparing the Swedish Meatballs, keeping the tradition that the whole family loved alive.

Steven was an accomplished runner, completing the Boston Marathon twice. He volunteered as a Little League coach in Orange, CT, for his children for many years. He loved the beach, the lake, and became an avid golfer in his retirement years.

In his retirement years, Steven found peace living with his wife, Valerie, in the beautiful foothills of western North Carolina on Lake James. They were very happy to enjoy their most special place with their extended families. He and his wife became members of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Morganton, NC.

In more recent years, along with his wife, he established the "Steven and Valerie Stafstrom Foundation" for charitable giving. The Foundation's mission is to help fund higher education, medical research, the underserved, and the preservation of our natural resources and wildlife.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Valerie Ann Hugick Stafstrom; children, Steven Stafstrom, Jr. (Christine) of Bridgeport, CT, Eric Stafstrom (Sarah) of Fairfield, CT, and Kristen Stafstrom Adolph (Lee) of Columbia, MD; six grandchildren (Jessica and Julia Stafstrom, Kaylee and Elena Adolph, Oscar and Sally Stafstrom); and four brothers, John Jr. (Dennis), Paul (Clare), Greg (Suzanne), and James (Margaret) Stafstrom, all of Connecticut. He also predeceased his first wife, Linda (Ferris) Stafstrom of Trumbull, CT, the mother of his children.

Calling hours will take place on Sunday, August 24, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road in Fairfield Center. Services will continue on Monday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. at St Ann Church in Black Rock. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Steven and Valerie Stafstrom Foundation c/o Fusco Financial Associates, 505 Baltimore Avenue, Towson, MD 21204

For travel directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.