Dr. Stephen Warner

Dr. Stephen M. Warner

Sturbridge - Dr. Stephen M. Warner, 72, formerly of Fox Run, Sturbridge and Bluffton, SC, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6th, in the Overlook Masonic Healthcare Center, Charlton, after an illness.

Steve leaves his loving wife and constant companion of 48 years, Jacquelyn A. ( Shea) Warner. Together, they raised a family of which he was very proud and spoke of constantly: his daughter, Erin Coleman of Brimfield, and her children Shea and Patrick; and his two sons, Stephen Warner, Jr., of Sturbridge, and Michael Warner and his wife, Amelia, of Chapel Hill, NC, and their children, Ellene and Emmeline. He also leaves behind his sister, Suzanne E. Warner of Boca Raton, FL.

He was born and raised in Worcester the son of Stanley S. and Helen G. (Lubin) Warner. In his youth he developed a life-long love of tennis and spent many happy hours at the former Worcester Tennis Club playing matches and honing his skills. He went on to win the Worcester City Junior Singles Championship and the New England Grass Court Doubles Championship. Steve attended high school at the former Assumption Prep, where he developed an interest in basketball and, under the coaching of Charlie Bibaud, was named to the Worcester All-City All Star High School Basketball Team. Steve attended Assumption College on a full athletic scholarship. There, under the expert coaching of Andy Laska, he played varsity basketball freshman through senior years. He also captained the Assumption tennis team. In 1977 he was inducted into the Assumption College Hall of Fame, being honored for both basketball and tennis. After college, Steve continued his education at the New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country as a captain in the Dental Corp. In 1973 he completed his formal education, receiving a certificate in Orthodontics from Loyola University School of Dentistry in Maywood, IL.

Dr. and Mrs. Warner then moved back to the Worcester area to open an orthodontics practice and raise their family. He became a beloved doctor to his patients in the area ranging from Worcester to Springfield, with his main office in Sturbridge. As one of his patients writes, "to know him was to love him." He considered himself a fortunate man to practice what he loved. He treasured his "work family" and adored his patients, taking time to mentor and watch them grow into responsible adults in the community. He enjoyed being a member of the larger community, and he found many ways to contribute: as a former member of the Tri-Community Exchange Club and serving on the Town of Sturbridge Planning Board and the Parks and Recreation Committee. He loved to coach as well – taking both of his son's teams to championship seasons in little league and youth basketball.

When he wasn't working, coaching, mentoring, or serving, he could be found pursuing his landscaping passion in his gardens at Fox Run. Over the 35 years he lived there, he designed and built a unique landscape, often found troweling or weeding at 4:00am before heading into work. His vision was included in the Massachusetts Horticultural Society Garden Tour and was also visited by numerous garden groups.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Overlook Masonic Healthcare Center for the care and compassion they gave to Dr. Warner and his family during his illness.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 20th, in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, from 5:00 to 8:00pm. His funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 21st, at 10:00am in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Assumption College, 500 Salisbury St., Worcester. Burial in St. John Cemetery will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Greyhound Club at Assumption College, 500 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609.

www.morrillfuneralhome.com