Stephen Donald Rioux

Stephen D Rioux, MD, 72, of Scarborough, Maine, passed away surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous struggle with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease on August 23, 2026 in Scarborough. Originally from Fall River, Massachusetts, Steve devoted his life to his family, his patients, and the many pursuits that brought him joy.

He was born in San Antonio, Texas on October 28,1953, son of Donald and Ida Rioux of Fall River, Massachusetts. He attended schools in Fall River and grew up surrounded by a large extended family.

Steve was one of the few pediatric neurologists in Maine. After completing his education at the Stonehill College and the University of Vermont, he completed a residency at University of Wisconsin where he was awarded Resident of the Year. He completed fellowships in Pediatrics and Neurology at Children’s Hospital at Washington University and then participated in research related to neuromuscular disease. He joined Maine Neurology in Portland in 1989, helping to establish and advance pediatric neurology in the state. He traveled throughout the state providing care to patients in Bangor and Northern Maine. He worked with the staff at the Muscular Dystrophy clinics to further advance patients access to healthcare. In addition to his full office practice, he completed a subspecialty in Neuroimaging in 2011. Steve brought intelligence, dedication, and compassion to his work. He cared deeply about his patients and the families who entrusted their children to him.

Those who knew Steve well will remember that medicine was only one part of a life lived with considerable energy and curiosity. He was an avid skier, cyclist, and sailor, and he loved the challenge, freedom, and adventure that came with each. Whether on a mountain, on the road, or on the water, Steve was happiest when he was active and exploring. He was especially fond of Acadia National Park and the Sugarloaf region where he spent many years exploring and enjoying these locations. Family and friends were familiar with his love of Portuguese foods, blueberries, coffee , salmon and chocolate. Many hours were spent sharing theses activities with him and watching him enjoy his pursuits and conversations. He was an avid reader and loved science, astronomy and nature.

He was also known for his incredibly dry sense of humor—a quality that could catch you off guard and was all the funnier for it. Steve had a distinctive way of seeing the world, and his understated wit was a treasured part of his personality. He was part of two large extended families and enjoyed spending time with them, sharing food and laughter.

Above all, Steve was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 33, Susan; his children, Luke & his wife Cary, Mikaela, Margaux, and Thomas; and his grandchildren, Charlotte and Axel. He is also survived by his brother Dr. David Rioux his wife Cathy, sister, Barbara Vye her husband David, many nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Paul Rioux.

Steve will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, physician, outdoorsman, and friend. His family will carry forward the memories of his quiet humor, his adventurous spirit, and the countless ways he made their lives richer. The world was a better and kinder place because of him. He will forever be missed by his wife Susan and family.

His legacy also lives on through the patients and families he served and through the work he helped establish in pediatric neurology in Maine.

A celebration of life will be held at Maine Audubon in Falmouth Maine on Thursday September 10th from 5-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, scholarship donations may be made to the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont in Burlington in his memory at : Donation-University of Vermont GiveCampus. Thank you to all the friends and family who supported him and our family during his life and illness. In addition, thank you to the staff at the Mooring at the Downs, the Barron Center Day program and Compassus Hospice.