Stephen Francis Szostek

Born in Salem, Massachusetts, Stephen grew up in the Catholic faith, serving as an altar boy and attending Catholic schools. He enjoyed playing basketball in high school and spending time with friends. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Merrimack College and his master's degree from New Hampshire College.

Stephen enlisted in the United States Navy, serving on active duty in Rota, Spain, and later in the Naval Reserves. After the Navy, with help from his grandmother, he purchased his beloved red Pontiac GTO convertible. During his time in Spain, he began writing letters to Kathleen, who was living in Portland, Maine. After returning home from Spain, Stephen decided to make the trip to Portland to visit the young woman he had been writing to. A year later, Stephen and Kathleen were married. They shared 56 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories.

Following his military service, Stephen built an extensive and rewarding career in accounting and financial planning that spanned more than 40 years. He retired in 2016 as a Certified Financial Planner.

In retirement, Stephen enjoyed the freedom to spend his time doing the things he loved. An avid golfer, he played more than 100 rounds a year and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, as well as his beloved cats. He was a lifelong football fan, sharing a love of the game with his father and remaining a loyal New England Patriots fan, even through the team's difficult early years. He also enjoyed working on newspaper puzzles each morning, always keeping his mind sharp.

Stephen was predeceased by his father, Stephen Szostek, and his mother, Phyllis Dombrowski.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Kathleen, and a large extended family, including several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He also leaves behind his cherished cats, Patches and Smoky.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses in the Oncology Department at Mercy Hospital for the compassionate care they provided to Stephen throughout his illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephen's memory may be made to:

HART of Maine

P.O. Box 351

Cumberland, ME

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland

P.O. Box 336

Portland, ME 04098