Stephen Chase

Stephen Scott Chase, age 58 of Hamden, CT, beloved husband, passed away peacefully at his home in the arms of his loving wife on October 20, 2024, leaving behind a beautiful story of love, bravery, strength and much more, but mostly love. It is impossible to put Steve and all he was into a paragraph. There is so much to say about this exceptional man who is adored and missed by so many, and will never be forgotten. Here is the short version.

Born and raised in West Haven, Stephen attended West Haven High before honing his skills first as an apprentice then a journeyman carpenter through the Local 24 Carpenter's Union. He had the natural ability to build and fix anything with his hands and quickly became sought-after, contributing to significant projects like the Baldwin Bridge and working for Turner Construction. At 26, Steve found his "home" working for D'Amato Brothers Builders and Developers, where he put his carpentry and other trades skills to good use. He was proud of the work he did with them in all phases of building, which included running heavy equipment for various projects and building sites. Over the years, Steve built deep bonds with the D'Amato's and their small crew, becoming more like family. From the start, he worked closely with his boss Jim D'Amato. Through their shared sense of humor, work ethic and long talks, they quickly became fast friends turned family for life.

Steve’s interests over his lifetime were as diverse as his talents, ranging from scuba diving to playing guitar and attending music concerts, boating, camping, birds and nature, dogs, and everything in between. Working with his hands on his house and yard, building and creating. A die-hard NY Giants fan, he was well known for watching football games with a cold beer in hand, rooting loudly. Super Bowl was always an event spent with family, coordinated by his best bud and brother in heart Rob Wagner. Steve’s love for motorcycles was constant from an early age. He often customized them with fabricated parts he created himself. He loved riding, looked forward to weekend road trips with his close-knit bike crew. Steve was a fiercely loving, kind, unpretentious man with a sparkle in his eyes, a smile that lit up your world and a fun sense of humor and wit he carried everywhere. He laughed easily, and lived his life with authenticity and bravery. He gave the best hugs. As a husband, he was a constant shelter. Unquestionably loyal, loving, dedicated and thoughtful, and he cherished his home life with his wife Wendy and their 4 rescued pit bulls. His personal life was further enriched by spending time with the large extended family that he loved so much, and a circle of great friends including his brothers and sisters by marriage.

Stephen was a man of integrity. He found solace and strength in his beliefs, drawing courage from scriptures like Joshua 1:9 during challenging times, of which there were many in the 12 years he lived so courageously with brain cancer. When he was first diagnosed, he and his wife began​ riding in the Closer to Free Ride for Smilow to raise funds for cancer research and started a team (Team Steve). This endeavor became a focal point in his life. The significant funds raised over the years by Team Steve and the way in which Steve lived his life was an inspiration to so many. The impact of the work he did for the cancer community will last forever, and Team Steve will always continue on in his honor and memory.

He is survived by his wife Wendy who he loved for 35 years, his mother Maureen E. Chase, and siblings Sandra Shanahan, Gordon Chase and wife Lisa, Maureen O'Mara, Robin Vitelli and husband Jim, Kimberly Bouton and husband Kenny, Susan Haase and husband Michael. John O'Mara, his brother in law at heart. His surviving family includes his in-laws whom he loved as his own: Walter and Beverly Gniady, and PJ (Peaches) Nardozzi. Lynn and Robert Wagner, Ronnie and Lori Johnson, Nicole Troia, Lorenzo Troia, Christine and Joseph Morgan. Stephen's memory will also be cherished by his numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and his cat Hannah, who all held a special place in his heart. Preceded in death by his father Gordon Guy Chase and several grandparents he treasured. Lorraine Hile Martindale Hill, Helen Graff Chase (Nana), Nancy Jezek (Gramma), Minnie (Grammy) and Ted Goodrum, and Betty Charbonneau (Gram), and the 3 grandfathers he always wished he'd known, especially John E. Martindale. And his beloved dogs Cookie, Cleo, Sarah and Gracie.

As Steve requested, a private memorial barbecue gathering was held at his and Wendy's home in July 2025. There are plans for ongoing annual events and celebrations, both private and public. Please reach out if you wish to be involved. Those wishing to honor Stephen's memory please keep talking about him. Be kind. Show love. Find the humor. Live passionately. For more tangible ways, please contribute to brain cancer research or animal rescue, specifically to the Brain Tumor Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital, the Closer to Free Ride Fund (Team Steve), the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance, or local animal shelters and pit bull rescues. These causes reflect his compassionate spirit, and his enduring fight against brain cancer, supported by his care team at Smilow Cancer Hospital, CTBTA, Gaylord Rehabilitation Center, CT Hospice Palliative Program, and the home team of Hartford Healthcare. And of course by his wife and supportive friends & family.

Stephen Scott Chase. He wasn't perfect, but he was pretty close. He will be remembered as someone who made everyone feel special. A remarkable, courageous man whose genuine warmth, kindness, and truth touched the people he loved and met in all aspects of his life. His legacy will live on through them, and the lives he impacted through the causes he championed. But most of all he will be remembered for his love. His light will continue to shine. Always and forever.