Stephen F. Bronish (1963-2016)

NORTH NEW PORTLAND – Stephen Francis Bronish, 53, of Livermore Falls, died on early Sunday morning, Aug. 18, 2016, while camping with family and friends of natural causes.

Born March 29, 1963 in Somerville, N.J. to Adele (Hopler) and Edward Bronish II, Steve was the middle child of five. The family moved to Weld, where Steve spent a childhood hunting, fishing, playing sports, working in the woods and helped build several houses in the area.

Steve attended Weld and Wilton Schools and graduated from Mt. Blue High School in 1981. After working for a short time at GH Bass, Steve attended Northlands Job Corp in Vergennes, Vt. While in Vermont, going to school and working, Steve met his first wife, Paula Bourgeois, the mother of his four children. Steve brought his family to Maine when he got hired at Mead Corp. in Rumford, and continued working at the mill for 20 years. Steve was a dedicated Local 900 Union Official and proud to fight for workers’ rights.

In 2015, Steve married Heather McLennan, from Carthage, and lived with her in Livermore Falls. Together, they rode motorcycles through Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island, fished the Salmon River in New York, explored Yellowstone and the Redwood Forest, fished for salmon (and caught halibut) in Alaska and enjoyed every day they spent together.

Steve was very passionate about his family, most especially his grandchildren. He was very close to, and loved by, both sets of in-laws. Steve was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting and most sports (including his beloved NY Yankees and NE Patriots) but being a fisherman was his true calling. Steve actually became somewhat of a local fishing celebrity when he appeared on an episode of the NESN fishing show “Beat Charlie Moore.” He fished fresh and salt water, tied flies and made lures. He often told Heather that he loved her more than his boat, but she is pretty sure it’s a close race. He was extremely proud to create Trolling for an American Veteran, a yearly event for volunteers to take veterans fishing on Aziscohos Lake in Lincoln Plantation.

Steve was an active member of United Bikers of Maine and rode his bike “Lucy” with friends and family. Steve inherited his music talents from his dad and had recently picked up the bass guitar. He joined his brother, Ed, his brotha, Lee Wade and good friend Jerry Daigle to play as Fifty Shades of Grayer, rocking garages everywhere, well one….. in Dixfield.

Steve is survived by his wife, Heather McLennan Bronish of Livermore Falls; his four children: Alex Bronish and companion Emily Luce of Wilton, Abigail Bronish Cain and husband Joseph Cain of Gray, Andrew Bronish and wife Emily of Lewiston, and Ariel Bronish of Oxford; five grandchildren: Tristan, Danica and Henry Cain, of Gray and Mahaleigh Kimball and Payton Dennison of Lewiston; two brothers Edward and wife, Shelley of Dixfield and Michael of Jay; two sisters: Adele Fulcher and husband Robert of Leasburg, N.C. and Terry Roderick and husband Bill of West Gardiner.

Steve was pre-deceased by his parents Edward and Adele Bronish.

Steve was well known for his love of tie-dyed clothing and his connection to Batman. When asked about his possible connection to the dark knight, Steve would ask if anyone had ever seen him and Batman in the same room, we never did.

Condolences and tributes may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

A Celebration of Steve’s life will be held 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Steve’s brother Ed’s home at 145 Coolidge Road, Dixfield. Please bring a dish to share and some stories about Steve. If you have some tie dyed clothing please wear it in honor of Steve.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those who desire consider memorial donations in Steve’s memory to United Steel Worker’s Local 4-900 Scholarship Fund in care of Steve Bronish Fund, 232 Rte. 108, Rumford, ME 04276.

Cremation care services have been cared for and provided by the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington.