Steven E. Bancroft

Steve grew up on the Bancroft family farm and airport in South Windsor, Connecticut where his lifelong passion for aviation began. He attended South Windsor High School class of 1964. He also enjoyed boating, live music, and most of all being surrounded by friends. Steve had a gift for bringing people together and found his greatest happiness in the company of those he loved.

Steve was an active member in his community. Over the years, he was a proud member of Quite Birdmen Hartford Hanger, a pilot fraternal organization and shared the joy of flying with many of his pilot friends. He was also a member of the Shennecossett Yacht Club and the Elks Lodge #1784 in Westbrook, Connecticut.

Steve proudly served his country for more than 31 years in the United States Air Force, the United States Army, and the Connecticut Army National Guard. He began his military career in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic and crew chief, maintaining the B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker.

Following his honorable service in the Air Force, Steve continued his military career by joining the Army, where he earned his wings as an Army Aviator, flying both rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft. He served for many years with the Army National Guard. He had deployments to Vietnam and later to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Storm.

As a Master Army Aviator, Chief Warrant Officer Four Steve was qualified in the UH-1H Iroquois (Huey), the OH-58A Kiowa, the C-7A Caribou, and the C-23B Sherpa. Steve proudly received the following military awards: The Air Force Good Conduct Medal, The National Service Defense Medal and The Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Steve transitioned into civilian aviation, where he spent nearly 40 years supporting the needs of a variety of both corporate and private clients throughout the Northeast and internationally. During his career, he became highly proficient in several variants of the Gulfstream jet and proudly qualified as Captain. Aviation was not simply his profession—it was a lifelong passion and an important part of who he was.

Steve is survived by the love of his life, Adrienne Y. Brochu of Essex, Connecticut, and their beloved Labrador retriever Pearl. He proudly embraced the role of Step-Dad to Jessica L. Saimininkas, MSN, RN, and grandfather to Aubrianna and Braelynn, all of Avon, Connecticut.

He is also survived by his sister, Kimberly A. Bancroft of South Windsor, Connecticut; and his niece, Julia A. Bancroft, APRN, her husband, Dr. Matthew P. Mikhail and their children of Guilford, Connecticut.

Steve was predeceased by his father, George Bancroft; his mother, Beverlee J. Vibbert (Bancroft); his brother, Rand G. Bancroft, sister-in-law, Laure F. Bancroft all of South Windsor, Connecticut.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Yale New Haven Hospital, Gaylord Specialty Healthcare and The Connecticut Hospice who provided Steve with exceptional care and treated him with compassion and dignity. Their kindness and dedication meant so much to Steve and his family until he was ready to take his final journey west accompanied by his daughter Jessica holding his hand.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his burial service with full military honors at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 15, 2026 behind the First Congressional Church, 993 Main St., South Windsor, CT. Steve will be dearly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Steve’s memory to Homes For Our Troops Inc. an organization dedicated to building and donating specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans. made through visiting https://hfotusa.org