| Obituary from Wilson Funeral Home |
Stephen Paone, age 57, of New Gloucester, Maine, passed away unexpectedly in his home in the early hours of Saturday September 14, 2024.
Steve grew up in Haverhill, Massachusetts, attending Haverhill High School and later graduating from Northern Essex community college. Steve went on to become a preschool teacher for 14 years and had the pleasure of helping shape many young lives. He had a lasting impact on many of his students and enjoyed reconnecting with his former students and sharing old memories.
Steve met his beloved wife, Juanita, in May of 2007. Their relationship quickly blossomed from sending emails adorned with many punny jokes and making the long drive to Maine for weekend visits, to becoming engaged in July of 2007. He pledged his love for Juanita, and her two children, Cory and Annie, in a small wedding ceremony with their closest family and friends at their home on September 1, 2007.
Steve got to take on a new role, one of his favorites, as Pupa, in 2011 when his first granddaughter Aliah was born. Later followed by Harley and youngest Evelyn. He got to share his passion of running with granddaughter Aliah, taking her on her first 5k. He loved playing tricks on his middle granddaughter Harley she always rolled his eyes at him. He also loved his nightly routine of reading many books to youngest granddaughter Evelyn.
Anyone who knew Steve knew his greatest passions in life were worshipping God and cherishing moments with his family and friends. He was a selfless man who never hesitated to help support anyone in whatever ways he could. Steve enjoyed his years being a part of New Gloucester Bible Church, taking on various roles such as leading the music ministry and filling in to preach a sermon whenever needed. Another of his biggest passions was running. In his earlier years he was able to complete the Boston Marathon, an accomplishment he was proud of. In more recent years he had a goal every year to run the same number of 5ks as the age he was turning, always giving it his all, and never letting the off days deter him. He was known for being the “human highlighter”, always picking out the flashiest colors for his running gear.
Steve enjoyed many other hobbies such as singing and writing his own music, guitar, drawing, and even writing his own books. He self published three novels and was currently working on a fourth. Steve loved the Boston Red Sox, fishing and playing pool with his family, his beloved dog Buddy and of course, Cheez Its. He found joy in many simple things like finding faces in objects and making up silly songs. His love for telling corny jokes will be greatly missed.
Stephen is predeceased by his father, Charles Paone. He is survived by his loving wife Juanita, stepson Cory Edgerly and his wife Jackie and their two children Aliah and Harley, stepdaughter Annie and her daughter Evelyn. He is also survived by his mother Shirley Paone and brother Chuck Paone and his family.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the New Gloucester Bible Church, 218 Lewiston Road, New Gloucester.
— Read the obituary from Wilson Funeral Home at this link
