Stephen Juknis

Stephen Edward Juknis, PhD, of Boston, MA, and formerly of New London, CT, passed away on September 27, 2025, at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston surrounded by family after a persistent respiratory illness. Stephen was born on December 7, 1942, in Norwich, CT. He was a son of the late Leonard J. and Stephanie S. (Bass) Juknis and a loving nephew to many aunts and uncles. Although Stephen enjoyed an active lifestyle including mini-golf at Ocean Beach while growing up and into his 30s, he was born with muscular dystrophy, which led to his use of a wheelchair since the 1970s. Despite the increasing challenges of MD, he maintained a positive outlook, quick wit, and joyous smile until the end. After growing up and graduating in the class of 1960 from New London (CT) High, Stephen earned a bachelor's degree from Clark University (1964) and Ph.D. in chemistry from Boston University (1973). Stephen was proficient in computer programming, particularly in the early days, which led to a wide assortment of projects, including working many years in forensics at police departments around Boston. He tutored students in chemistry until recently, always keen to pass his knowledge on to others. He lived at The Boston Home in Dorchester, MA, for the last 23 years where he received excellent care and had many friends. When not participating in scheduled activities, he could be found completing intricate 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzles in the Activities Room. He was also a talented artist who completed many beautiful watercolor paintings over his lifetime. He rode the "T" wherever there was wheelchair access and could be found exploring shopping centers, malls, art galleries, and museums. He enjoyed trips to Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox and went to numerous shows at Symphony Hall. Those who knew him will miss speaking with him about Boston sports teams, developments around the city, and the engineering and science of how things work. He will be sadly missed but always remembered with love by his cousin and closest family, John and Wanda Bass and their children: Casandra Johnson, husband Matthew and daughter Grace, and Brent Bass and wife Bethany Niedbala. In addition to his parents, Stephen was predeceased by his brother, Edward Juknis. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on November 14, 2025, at 2PM at St. Andrew Church 128 Norwich Ave., Colchester, CT, followed by burial in the New St. Andrew Cemetery. Donations in Stephen's memory may be made to The Boston Home, particularly the resident activities group: www.thebostonhome.org/how-to-help/donate/make-a-gift.html For online condolences or to share a story of Stephen for his family, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen Juknis, please visit our floral store.