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Stephen D'Onfro Obituary
Born in Leominster, Massachusetts on August 24, 1958, he was the son of Nicholas and Janice (Iles) D'Onfro. He graduated from Leominster High School in 1976 and Syracuse University in 1980 with a BS in Accounting. He earned his CPA in 1982. He worked for Touche Ross in New Jersey, Oregon and Australia and Price Waterhouse in Boston. Mr. D'Onfro joined Gary Chemical Corporation as CFO in 1987, which ultimately became part of Rockwood Holdings Inc. For the past 11 years, he served as President of Advantis Technologies Inc., the water technology business unit of Rockwood, based in Alpharetta, Georgia. Mr. D'Onfro was an effective executive, respected for his compassion and leadership abilities, as well as his business acumen.
Steve enjoyed time spent at his camp on Spec Pond in Lancaster. He was an avid fisherman and traveled to Alaska and Belize to pursue his passion. He sought many other opportunities for travel, both in the U.S. and abroad. Other interests included enjoying the outdoors, listening to music and creating photographic records of trips, adventures and gatherings of family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of 23 years, Beth A. (Baerman) D'Onfro, and three daughters, Katherine, Jillian and Madeline, all of Westminster; his brother, Paul D'Onfro and his wife, Joanne, of Leominster; his sister, Kathy (D'Onfro) Hamel and her husband, Thomas, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; nieces and nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and friends.
There will be a memorial service on his birthday, August 24, 11AM at the First Church Unitarian Universalist, 15 West Street, Leominster. A gathering to celebrate his life will follow at Spec Pond, 109 Fire Road 11, Lancaster. In lieu of flowers, Beth and the girls ask that you to plant a perennial in a place where it will be enjoyed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen D'Onfro
Andrew Syiek and Tom Cantara
September 2, 2008
To Beth, Jill, Kate & Madeline D'Onfro; brother Paul and the family,
We offer you our condolences on the passing of Steve, your dearly loved husband, father and brother.
It is evident he was an extraordinary man who made a very positive impression on the lives of others.
May you be comforted by knowing that his presence was meaningful for so many people and that his spirit will continue to remain alive in the hearts of all who loved him.
Sincerely,
Joe Ragan
August 26, 2008
I can honestly say that Steve made a positive impression on me and he will be greatly missed. His letters over that last year or so were inspirational and I’ve shared them with others who have needed strength. Here's one last “Go Hammer” for Steve.
Berta Buratti-Aikey
August 26, 2008
Dear D'Onfro Family,
You have been in my thoughts and heartfelt prayers since I have heard this news. I am so very sorry for your loss and I know there are no words that can lessen your pain. I pray the Lord will comfort, sustain and carry you in your time of greatest need.
With Love & Deepest Sympathy,
Dana Wilkinson
August 24, 2008
Beth, Kate, Maddy, Jill, and all of Steve's family and close friends:
As we planted rose bushes this morning in his honor, we contemplated Steve's life and what this world has really lost. He made a difference in the lives of so many people, and was not afraid to reach out. We will miss Steve. Our hearts go out to all of you as you deal with his loss. Please know you are in our prayers and thoughts.
Dana, Ceci, Marlaina & Caroline Wilkinson
Jeff Smith
August 22, 2008
Dear Beth and Girls,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure and honor of working with Steve for 10 years. We joined Advantis at roughly the same time and often shared the joy of being a father to three beautiful daughters. What a great leader. Steve knew every Advantis employee by their first name and let each of us know how important we were to the Advantis team. I will always remember his compassion, courage, and grace. I am so thankful I was able to have Steve in my life. My thoughts and prayers are always with you... God Bless.
Tom Moore
August 22, 2008
Dear Beth & Girls,
I’m terribly sorry and sadden to hear about the loss of Steve. I meet Steve 4 ½ years ago when I began my employment with Advantis Technologies. The neatest thing about working for Steve is that he seemed more like a colleague than a boss. He will be missed by all who had the opportunity meet him. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Kevin Gunter
August 21, 2008
Dear Beth and Daughters,
I met Steve several years ago and I was impressed by the way he knew all of the employees names in the warehouse during a plant tour. What a special spirit he had - he talked about his family and his faith and of course baseball. It was a pleasure to have him in our lives - he touched a lot of people - he will not be forgotten. I will continue to pray for his spirit and your family. God Bless!
James A. Burba
August 21, 2008
Dear Beth & Girls,
Steve will be saddly missed by all who have had the opportunity to have him come into their life. For me it was 3-1/2 years ago when he hired me. You could not ask for a more caring boss. You and the girls must be very proud of him, I know I am. I now have a new Guardian Angle.
Leigh O'Brien
August 21, 2008
Beth and Girls,
I feel honored to have known and worked for Steve. He never made anyone feel like they worked "for" him, but rather "with" him. He was so respected and will be greatly missed. So very sad. Leigh (the one who sends the bugs and quarters :))
Sunil Karke
August 21, 2008
It's a great loss for everyone who knew Steve. A great human being and always ready to help. A great boss for me. I feel sorry for Beth and girls.
R McHugh
August 21, 2008
Please accept my condolences at the passing of your husband and father. May you take comfort in knowing that God knows how you feel and every tear that you shed.
Psalm 34:18 shows that he is near to those who are brokenhearted.
Nick Suhoski
August 20, 2008
Dear D'Onfro family,
I'm terribly sorry to hear about the loss of Steve. My deepest condolences go out to you and the rest of his friends and loved ones. These kinds of things are always tough and I know you guys will pull through. I feel blessed to have gotten the chance to meet a guy like him.
Sally Napolitano (Ebert) and Family
August 19, 2008
Dear Beth and Girls,
We were all so saddened to hear of Steve's passing. Ken, I and the boys will always remember him teaching our boys to ice fish and the boys all scrambling, slipping and sliding, in the snow to the pond when the flag went up. Smiles, good company and good memories of our visit years ago. Our love and hearts are with you all.
"Fish-on"
Paul, Kim, & Schuyler Briggs
August 19, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived. For those who have been faithful, life is not ended, but merely changed; and when this earthy abode dissolves, an eternal dwelling place awaits Stephen in heaven.
Love and Prayers to you all.
Dee Dee Castriotta-Girouard
August 19, 2008
To the D"Onfro Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. It was with great sadness to learn about Steve's passing. We graduated high school together. He was was one of the nicest and kindest young men.
Please know in your heart that he is at peace and will continue to be with you all forever.
Sincerely,
Dee-Dee Castriotta-Girouard
Lisa Greene
August 19, 2008
Dear Beth, Girls, and Donfro Family,
We've heard so many inspiring little tales about Steve...with a common theme that his love for life and for others was truly remarkable. We know you will carry him in your hearts forever.
We are so so sorry for your enormous loss.
With love and sympathy,
The Greene Family
(Vic Baerman's in-laws)
Mike Ratajczak
August 18, 2008
Beth and Family,
Lost touch with Steve for a while after graduation. I am glad I got to visit a couple months ago. Steve was truely a gem of a person and I will surely miss his great attitude and friendship.
God bless you all.
P.K. Data Inc.
August 18, 2008
To the D'Onfro family,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. We had the great pleasure of working with Steve for many years, and always enjoyed getting to see him at meetings and trade events. He was certainly respected within the industry, and especially at our firm. His presence will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bil Kennedy, Loren Brown, Jill Marlette, Ann Longstreet and BJ Thomas at P.K. Data.
Darlyn Kiley
August 18, 2008
To Beth and the Girls
Words, however kind,
can't mend your heartache:
but those who care and
share your loss wish you
comfort and peace of mind.
May you find strength
in the love of family
and in the warm embrace
of friends.
Wayne Raicik
August 18, 2008
Goodbye my friend. I hope the fish are biting.
Love,
Wayne
Guy Vachon
August 17, 2008
To the D'Onfro family & his Sister Kathy and her family
Kathy, my deepest condolences to you and your whole family.
Guy G Vachon
Lynn Brooks
August 17, 2008
Beth, Kate, Jill and Madeline, we are thinking of you at this time of sorrow and sadness. We celebrate the life that Steve had and the love of his family. Our prayers are with you.
Lynn, Skip & Ryan Brooks
Brad Greene
August 16, 2008
To the D'Onfro family,
my condolences for your loss. I have fond memories of fishing and sharing stories with Steve.
Jim and Susan Andrews
August 16, 2008
Dear Beth and Girls,
We were shocked to hear of Steve's death. When we think of him, we remember a man full of life....loving his family, his friends, and everyone around him, as no one was a stranger to him. We will remember you in our prayers - may the memories help to overcome the pain which you must be feeling. With love and hugs, Sue and Jim Andrews
Steve, Liz, Lexi, & Kattiah Maillet
August 15, 2008
Beth, Jill, Kate, and Madeline: We are thinking of you during your time of loss from your beloved husband, and father. Cherish all your memories and wonderful times that you had with Stephen and your dad. We are praying for your entire family to have peace, strength, and love during this time and forever.
Donna Doherty
August 15, 2008
To Beth, Jill, Kate & Madeline,
We were so sorry to hear about your dad/husband. We only met him a few times but his love of life and his love for his family really shown through. We know he will be deeply missed and our hearts go out to you and your whole family. You will all be in our thoughts. Much love and big hugs,
Donna, Bernie, Colleen, Conor & Derek Doherty
Judith Rigopoulos
August 15, 2008
To all the D'Onfro family,
My condolences to you all at this sad time. I have fond memories of teaching Steve and all the kids at the pond to water ski. About two years ago, Steve stopped me while i was walking on the fireroad, gave me a big hug, and said that he just wanted to thank me for all the time I spent driving the boat pulling skiers. That was on of the nicest compliments I have ever received, and I treasure it.
Judi Rigopoulos
Kirk & Josephine Wiktorski
August 15, 2008
To the D'Onfro Family and Friends,
Our hearts are saddend at this time. Stephen brought love and joy to everyone of his family members and friends. We wish the family well during these hard times. Our thought and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Kirk, Jozie, Alex and Family
Marie (Hamel) and Bill Dansereau
August 15, 2008
Beth, Kate, Jill, Maddie, Jan, Nick, Paul, Joanne, Erin, Cole, Lauren, Kathy, Tom, Kaylyn, Brendan and the many other family members, Our love and prayers are with you all as your mourn the passing of a wonderful man, a son, a husband, a dad, a brother and an uncle. As you were blessed with having Steve in your lives, Steve was blessed with all of you. You are a very special family and we are deeply saddened for your loss.
Jenna Dion
August 15, 2008
I will miss Steve. We had so many good times when we lived in westminster. His laugh was contagious and so was his smile. I loved him. I remember when Steve took Kate and I Skiing, we took a day off of school. I remember Spec Pond, and his keystone Cottage that he loved so much. I remember listening to Eva Cassidy and Butterfly Kisses. I remember the haunted house in your barn. I know I was not around a lot, with the D'Onfros but I still remember him and will always remember him. Beth, Kate, Jill, and Maddy I am sorry for your loss. I love you guys with all my heart, your family is something that I aspire to have one day. You were all so close and you could just feel the love for each other in your presence. I will be there August 24, I love you guys soooo much.
Jodi and Chris Birtwell
August 15, 2008
To all of Stevie's beloved family -
We are praying that soon the pain will pass and only the happy memories remain of our dear friend.
We are missing him greatly but feel truly blessed that he was in our lives.
"When in doubt, twirl"
Robyn Ellis
August 15, 2008
To Steves entire family. It is with our deepest sympathy - we extend our hearts to you all at this time. Steve was a wonderful - sincere man who always seemed to put everyone else first. We only knew him thru his loyalty to our store, but he truly became a great friend over the last 6 years or so. The strength he showed over the last couple years was remarkable - He sure fought with everything he had and we admire that ! We will miss his smiling face. Be strong - and be proud. He was a wonderful Man
From all of us at Ellis Marine, Mark, Robyn, Larry & Mike.
Susan Steinbrecher (class of 80)
August 15, 2008
To the family of Stephen:
My deepest sympathies are with you at this time. Kathy and family:
Remember all of the positives and know your brother is at peace.
Mike Smith
August 15, 2008
To Steve's Family,
I just got to know Steve recently, but in that short time, I knew he was someone VERY special. His kindness and generosity spoke novels of the man he was.
The world has truly lost one SPECIAL PERSON.
I will miss him.
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