Stephen H. Lynch

Stephen H. Lynch, 38, of East Hartford, passed away in his sleep September 6, 2011, at home. He was born April 26, 1973, son of Michael, Jr., and Virginia “Ginny” (Johnson) Lynch. He was pre-deceased by his grandparents, Michael, Sr., and Marion (Wright) Lynch, and Bert and Shirley (Bardin) Johnson.

In addition to his parents, Steve is survived by a brother, Timothy Lynch of East Hartford; two sisters, Karen Petrella and her husband Tony of East Hartford; and Sherry Fortin of Hartford; nieces and nephews, who were the loves of his life, Ashley, Salena and Zylund Lynch; Anthony, Michael, and Joseph Petrella; and Kayla, Michael, and Stephanie Fortin; a grandnephew, Gabriel Lynch; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his longtime best friend, Peter Condio.

Steve was a lifelong resident of East Hartford, graduating with the EHHS class of 1991.

After surviving a tragic diving accident in 1995, he went on to earn his Associate’s Degree from Manchester Community College and was nearly finished earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Central Connecticut State College; he was looking forward to beginning his career as a child psychologist.

Steve had a wonderfully positive attitude and a marvelous sense of humor. Anyone who spent more than a minute with him knows that he was collecting jokes, searching for ones that met his criteria to be included in the book he dreamed of publishing; "Steve Lynch’s Compendium of Truly Funny Jokes". Besides the people that came to know him, Steve leaves in his wake a multitude of strangers who happened to be in a doctor’s waiting room, or answering a business phone, or anywhere at all who, after being asked, “Do you have a joke for me?” had their day or perhaps only a moment brightened by this sweet guy with a smile saying, “Well, let me give you one.”

Family and friends may call on Sunday, September 11th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Callahan, Newkirk and Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford. All are invited on Monday, September 12th, 2011 for a 10 am Celebration of Steve’s Life at the same location. Burial services will follow in Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford.

Donations in Steve’s memory may be made to the family.

The family plans to fulfill Steve’s dream of publishing his book and are asking that, in lieu of flowers, visitors bring a joke in written form, prepare a joke to be shared on their Audio Guestbook, or visit www.callahanfuneral.com. To share a condolence or a joke, click on the Audio Link to the lower right. A special phone will also be available at the funeral home for this purpose.