Stephen Rowell Abbe passed away Jan. 3, 2020, at his home in Alton Bay, N.H. He was predeceased by his parents Charlie and Dodie Abbe, and his golden retriever Brookie.

Steve was born in Cheyenne, Wyo., in 1953. He grew up in Bedford, N.H., and graduated from West High School. Steve continued his education at Plymouth State College, graduating in 1975. He was a professional ski instructor at several areas, including Vail, Colo. Steve went on to a career in sales. He ended his career as a labor inspector for the state of New Hampshire, retiring in 2004.

Steve was a kind soul. Fisherman, hunter, skier and raconteur. He loved telling long stories. He rarely had a short one. Steve was happiest dry fly-fishing at the family camp on Pierce Pond in Maine. He would spend hours in the boat with his dog Brookie, just the two of them. Steve loved making ice candles in the winter, and would deliver them to friends unannounced. He would buy a homeless person a good meal at a diner, and talk to them for hours.

Steve is survived by his four siblings: Jeff Abbe of Boscawen, N.H., Chris Abbe of Denver, Colo., Kim Thomas of Missoula, Mont., and John Abbe of West Boylston, Mass. He had several nieces and a nephew.

SERVICES: There will be a celebration of life in the spring.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Pierce Pond Watershed Trust, mwwt.org or the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness, https://concord homeless.org/.

To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Union Leader on Jan. 12, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Abbe

45 Entries

Sue Grant Niedzwiecki

June 19, 2025

I just recently learned of Steve´s passing so this note is quite late.
Everybody loved Steve. I ran into him more than a few years ago and it never occurred to me that I wouldn´t see him again. So funny.
McKelvie and West - we had a great class and have definitely lost one of the best.

ARTHUR FAIRWEATHER

February 4, 2021

I was browsing through the Plymouth State University alumni magazine and saw that Steve had passed a year ago. Steve and I were in the Business dept. at Plymouth State College and we graduated together in 1975. I would see Steve at the fall Homecoming weekends at PSC and he would treat me like an old friend. Those weekends in the 70's, 80's and 90's were wild and Steve was always in the middle of all the fun, laughing and telling stories. I will miss you, good classmate!
Arty Fairweather

February 1, 2021

Loved hanging out with you at PSC. Especially on the slopes.
rip.

Jeffrey Abbe

March 30, 2020

The Abbe Family would like to let all parties interested, that Steve's Celebration of Life Ceremony is on hold currently. The Corona virus has effected all venues from holding gatherings, which includes this celebration too. Until things change we will update or reschedule as needed. Stay safe and stand-by please.

DIANE BOLDUC

March 23, 2020

So sorry to hear of Steve's death. We graduated West HS together. Though a long time ago, his smile was big enough to live on in memory all these years later. My condolences to all who loved him.

Cindy Duguay ( Summers )

February 22, 2020

So sorry for the loss of Steve. I was shocked when I came across this. I had been friends with Steve for many years but hadn't seen him in quite some time. He was always a joker and had many stories to share. We had our ups and downs, but we maintained a good friendship. Steve loved my Mom and he had one last dance with her just before we lost her. So sad to see this. R.I.P My Friend.

Beth Kelly

February 6, 2020

Thought of you so much yesterday on your birthday my friend. Missing you.

Kristin Abbe

February 5, 2020

On a trip to Pierce Pond there were multiple vehicles caravanning and for a leg of the trip it was just Steve and I in Grandpas van; he told me so many stories, quite a few of which I remember details of to this day. He was the crazy uncle in the best way, love ya Steve. Your quirks will be missed every trip to P.P.

Jeff Abbe

February 4, 2020

Celebration of Life for:
Stephen R. Abbe

Saturday May 23, 2020 at 10:30 AM
UU Church of Concord
274 Pleasant ST
Concord NH 03301

Live Streaming of celebration is available @ www.concorduu.org

Feel free to bring a momento for the remembrance table.

kathy Hanlon

January 26, 2020

We are at a loss for words.... We are truly sorry for your loss. We would like to offer you and your family our deepest and most sincere condolences and may the soul of Steve rest in peace. Please know that you're in are thoughts and prayers. ... Love Mike and Kathy Hanlon

Bill Broder

January 21, 2020

Hello All,
So many memories.... and they just keep coming. Some of the highlights from my childhood include the Chinese blood machine and African swimming mice. Oh and fishing Riddle Brook with his friend that had the camera lens the doubled the fish we caught. He was 10 years my senior but our paths would cross many times over the years. Whether it be skiing or fishing or a visit at my restaurant from my local labor inspector , Steve was there with a story and a smile. At times, we reached out to each other for advice. Occasionally, we discussed business ideas. Im still considering one of them.
Steve was a friend and he will be missed.
Oh and in case your wondering , I still have that box of Jap flies from 1978. The hooks are all rusted but the bright yellow and fluorescent green colors have survived. Ive kept them all these years because every time I come across them I remember what you said and it makes me smile

Steve Nichols

January 18, 2020

So sorry to read of Steve's passing. What a great guy going back to hanging out and as my doubles partner on the tennis team at Plymouth State. Very fortunate to have many conversations with him over the years when I owned Tinkers Seafood. A short lunch always turned into half the afternoon. It never mattered because it was always great talking with him and reminiscing about the old Plymouth State days, class of 1975.

Ellen Koenig

January 17, 2020

So sorry to learn about Steve's passing. I got to know Steve during Charlie's illness, when he was helping to take care of him and I would come by for a visit. It didn't take long to understand that Steve was quite a character who marched to the beat of his own drummer. What I saw in those visits was a genuine kindness and a wish to help his dad when he needed it most. And that was wonderful to witness.

Jan Langer

January 16, 2020

No one spun a better yarn or sung a goofy song than Abbs. I haven't seen him in years, but he has often passed through my thoughts and made me smile. I'm grateful for having had that time with him. My condolences to the whole Abbe family.

Grace Freije

January 15, 2020

As I read the condolences posted by so many grammar school friends my heart is so heavy that we have lost such a great guy... and how I wish we could all get together as you all mean so much to me still. Bedford kids have a special bond I believe. Steve was one of the best. Steve came to visit several years ago with our teacher Connie Callahan. It was so good to see them both. I only wish we had kept in touch as I thought of him often. Rest in peace Stevie. You will join Peter and David as the "Kiddie Dades(sp) Club" is forming in Heaven. Your parents were the best! My sincere sympathies to Jeff and the rest of the Abbe family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Susan Middleton

January 14, 2020

So sad to see this wonderful life gone from this world. Growing up with the Abbe clan is a fantastic memory filled with adventure. Never knew what we were going to do next, or what trouble we might get into. Steve was a bit older but always fun and supportive of us younger folks. He will be missed. Loved the obituary. Hugs to Kim, Johnnie, Chris and Jeff! Love, Susie

Carolyn and Stew Richmond

January 14, 2020

Jeff, Chris, Kim, John, We are saddened by Steve's death, but are filled with the happy Abbe family memories in Bedford and up at Pierce Pond. We hope those memories will cheer you at this time. Carolyn and Stew Richmond

John Hanlon

January 13, 2020

Steve was my best friend growing up in Bed Fud.... We met at the Abbes little Red House and from the age of five onward we got into all manner of mayhem and mischief. Our red behinds were a testament to that. We took humor to a whole new level, one not always appreciated by the Abbe and Hanlon parents. I swear I only watched when he burned the shed behind their house.
I will miss the Steve I grew up with and the laughter we shared as kids.

Rick & Cheryl Quintal

January 13, 2020

So sorry for your loss Jeff and the entire Abbe Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Timothy Lott

January 12, 2020

I'm sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I haven't seen Steve in many years. I spent most of my time with Steve as part of the Manchester NH chapter of Trout Unlimited in the 80s and early 90s. Steve had an infectious smile and good humor. He always enjoyed fly fishing. I know he endured many life challenges. Rest in peace Steve.

Dick, Steve & Gary - Forever Friends

Richard Matherson

January 12, 2020

My lifelong friend Steve Abbe taught us that there are three parts to life's adventures. The planning, the actual event and in the end the memories. Thank you for enriching us all with a lifetime of wonderful memories. So, dear friend until we meet again, "may God hold you in the palm of His hand".

Cornelia (Connie) Callahan

January 12, 2020

The Abbe Family, So sorry to learn of Steve's passing. He was a student in my class, my first year teaching at McKelvie School. What a wonderful way to start my career. He was a great guy and always fun!! Please accept my sincere condolences!! He will be missed my many. He had a good heart!

Linda Allen

January 12, 2020

Soooooo many high school memories of this great guy! My heart goes out to the Abbe family and all of Steves friends. He will be missed!

Beth Richardson Kelly

January 12, 2020

I'm sorry to learn of Steve's passing. So many fond memories of growing up together in Bedford and then later in high school. I'll always remember his smile and his kind heart. My prayers are with Steve's family.

Bruce& Dorothy Hickox

January 12, 2020

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Abbe Family. As a long time friend I will always remember the fun times in the Crow's Nest. Rest in Peace, Steve, you will be missed. - Bruce

January 12, 2020

To The Abbe Family: Charlie and Dodie were good friends. Enjoyed many wonderful Bedford evenings around the fireplace with Jay and Joan Hanlon. Your loss is appreciated and deeply understood.
Don and Mary Anderson
Marco Island, Florida

Dana & Donna Clement

January 11, 2020

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Abbe family. Steve was always a nice guy, and a friendly and funny classmate. When ever I think of him, I remember his great "Bert & I" stories. He will surely be missed.

Debbie field

January 11, 2020

So Sorry to hear about Steve passing he was such a sweet man worked with him at the labor department. Rest in Peace Steve.

Susan (Foster) Englert

January 11, 2020

I'm so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. We went to Grace Church in East Concord with Steve and knew him quite well. What a storyteller he was, with a positive attitude and a true joy of life. He helped my exhusband along the way when he needed a friend. Rest In peace Steve. You will be missed.

Brenda (Wickey) Zelonis

January 11, 2020

So very sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I went to high school with Steve. Just a real nice guy!
Thoughts and prayers to the family.

Gary Shakra

January 10, 2020

Abbe Family..Growing up with Steve was such a joy filled with fun and laughter.He will be missed by many as we all enjoyed his company since grammar school.My sympathies to the entire Abbe family. Rest in peace my friend.

Paul Matteson

January 10, 2020

Fishing, poker and tall tales. See you on the uppa pond Steve.

Janelle Alexander

January 10, 2020

Sending my heartfelt condolences to the Abbe family. I remember Steve fondly from our high school days. May Steve rest in peace with the angels.
Janelle (Mckenney) Alexander
Berlin, Germany

Jim lePine

January 9, 2020

Last I saw Steve was at my house in Londonderry at our Texas hold'em games.Special,kind and loving guy.He'll be sorely missed.Thankful for the memories and great times skiing.Sorry for your loss.

Jim lePine

January 9, 2020

Sending prayers for the family.He'll be missed.

Martha Drociak

January 8, 2020

We're so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. We send our thoughts and prayers for all your family.

Bob Berube

January 8, 2020

Rest in peace my friend, I will never forget your great smile.

Rick Fradette

January 8, 2020

Sincere condolences to Jeff and family. Life is short! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rick & Julia

January 7, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the Abbe family. So many good memories. RIP Steve.

Nancy Normand

January 7, 2020

Esp Jeff: so sorry for your loss. Did not know Steve well, but know he was wild and fun!

sheila mcdonough

January 7, 2020

Dear Abbes, I don't know if any of you remember me but I am Sheila Keefe, and Jim and I lived in your family home when we first got married. I am so sorry about Steve! Best to all of you!

Mike Lagueux

January 7, 2020

To the whole Abbe Family.My heart is very heavy. Hoping You all find peace with Steve's moving on. Sending love from the desert.

Elise Boucher Rot

January 7, 2020

Rip in peace Steve! Lots of fun skiing in high school and tennis!

Bruce Gurley

January 6, 2020

Abbe Family
Sorry for the loss of Steve. I had many laughs while fishing with Steve at Pierce Pond and other places. He always made me laugh. He is at peace now and will fish everyday!!
Bruce Gurley

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