Dr. Stephen M. Doris, Jr.

Stephen was born on May 28, 1976, in Brockton, MA and lived a life of extraordinary character and deep devotion to his family. He was the beloved son of Stephen M. Doris, Sr. and Louise (Scalli) Doris. He grew up in a close loyal family alongside his sister Melanie.

Stephen was the kind of man that people remember after one conversation. Those lucky enough to know him loved him deeply, and those who didn’t wished they had. He had a rare ability to bring people together, to make a room feel lighter, and to make everyone around him feel like they belonged. Fiercely loyal, quietly brilliant, and effortlessly funny, Stephen left an imprint that simply can’t be replicated.

A gifted mind, Stephen graduated from Brockton High School and went to earn a master’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts, followed by a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from Brown University. He later served as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Genetics and Genomics at Harvard Medical School.

Stephen dedicated his career to science and discovery, and at the time of his passing served as the Associate Director of RNA Biology at Arrakis Therapeutics, a role he carried with equal parts brilliance and humility. Stephen not only strived to help humanity through his research, but he was also a fierce advocate for those without a voice as well. Stephen, together with Andy, launched the 52 Orcas project to bring awareness to orcas held in captivity. Just one of many examples of Stephen’s unselfishness, commitment and love to just make this a better world.

At home, Stephen was the heart of every gathering. An extraordinary cook, he could master any dish, any cuisine, any challenge thrown his way, and he shared that talent generously. His greatest joy, though, was his life with his husband Andy Long, with whom he built a home filled with love, laughter, and the kind of partnership people hope for.

Stephen’s devotion to his family was unwavering. His love for them ran deep and steady, and he showed it not in grand gestures, but in consistency, presence, and the way he always showed up for those he cared about. Stephen made us laugh. He made us cry. He unknowingly made himself the center of our lives where it is impossible to imagine one day without hearing his infectious laugh or to see his smile.

Stephen leaves behind his husband, Andrew Long; his parents Stephen and Louise Doris; his loving sister Melanie Brunstrom, his brother in law Steve Brunstrom; his beloved cousin Eileen and her husband Steve Economos, cousin Robert Cristello; his niece and nephews whom he adored: Roarke, Cole and Addison Brunstrom; his mother in law Jeanne Waters, sister in law Erica Long and her husband Mike Pensack and a wide heartbroken circle of family, friends, and colleagues who will carry his memory forward.

He was unforgettable and always will be. As quoted by his colleague, “The world just lost a little sparkle, and we are all going to have to burn a little brighter to make up for the light that Stephen brought us all”.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 9:00am-12:30pm in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00pm in the Unitarian Memorial Church, 102 Green St., Fairhaven. Following the service, a reception will be held from 2:30-6:00pm at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, 15 Johnny Cake Hill., New Bedford. Valet parking is offered or self parking in the Elm Street Garage.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Stephen's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.