Robert A. Steffon

HOLDEN - Robert A. Steffon of Holden, MA passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 18, 2024. Bob was born on September 29, 1937 in Worcester, Massachusetts to Albanian immigrant parents, Ligor & Efthimia Steffon. He was originally named Arthur Robert Steffon. However, everyone knew him as Bobby, prompting his father to legally change his name to Robert Arthur Steffon. Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Diana J. (Costa) Steffon, and their two sons: Gregory Steffon and his wife Jacqueline of Holden, MA, and Michael Steffon and his partner, Richard Serrao of Boston, MA. Bob also leaves his two beloved grandchildren Antonio Steffon of Bath, ME and Victoria Steffon of Holden, MA. Bob was the patriarch of a very large and close-knit extended family of 13 nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews, 3 great-great nephews, 8 God-children and many cousins. Bob was predeceased by his parents, and his three siblings, Alice (Pepi), George Steffon and Loreta (Johns), his nephew Paul Costa, great-nephew Drew Stevens and two of his God-children Peter Prifti and David Prifti.

Bob spent his entire life in Central Massachusetts. In his youth, Bob excelled in sports, playing basketball for Worcester's South High and St. Mary's Albanian Orthodox Church's basketball team. His achievements included winning the YMCA league championship and the YMCA tri-state championship. He graduated from South High School, served in the US Army Reserves, and co-owned a pitch and putt golf course in Oxford, MA. His initial career was with Rexnord in Auburn, MA, where he worked in sales and management. Later, he attended the WPI School of Industrial Management, graduating in 1979. Bob remained dedicated to Rexnord until its closure in the early 1980s. Afterward, he worked at Merritt Trucking and for many years at Kadant Systems, ultimately retiring at 68. Despite retiring, he continued as a transportation consultant at Kadant until fully retiring at the age of 82.

In 1965, Bob and Diana moved to Auburn, MA, where they became active community members. Bob officiated high school basketball, coached at Auburn Little League, and served as its Commissioner. Prior to relocating to Holden, MA, the couple received official recognition from the Town of Auburn for their years of service to the community.

Bob held his ethnic heritage in high esteem, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the Albanian-American community. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Albanian Orthodox Church in Worcester. Having served as the treasurer of the parish council for a decade, from 1963 to 1973, Bob continued to actively contribute to various roles on the parish council in subsequent years. Bob played a pivotal role as a founding member of the Sons of St. Mary's, the parish's men's club, where he served as President and held positions on their board of directors. Additionally, he actively participated in the parish's land and building committee, instrumental in the relocation of the parish from Jacques Avenue to Salisbury Street.

Bob's commitment extended beyond the local community; he played a key role as a founding member of the New England Albanian Relief Organization. His efforts included securing warehousing and transportation for the group, contributing to the organization's mission of providing millions of dollars in aid to the people of Albania after the fall of communism. Not only did Bob contribute behind the scenes, but he also showcased his culinary skills as a chef for the bi-annual Albanian Festival, beginning with its inception in 1983. Remarkably, he continued to actively participate, cooking at the festival even in the most recent year.

In acknowledgment of his years of service, the Albanian community in Worcester honored Bob by inviting him to throw out the first pitch at Albanian Heritage Night at Polar Park in 2023 during the Woo-Sox game.

Bob's ultimate source of joy in his later years was the precious time he spent with his family and grandchildren. Never one to miss a moment, he enthusiastically cheered on the kids at hockey games, soccer matches, and track meets. His love for quality family time extended to beach outings, with he and his wife becoming familiar fixtures at Parson's & Gooch's Beaches in Kennebunk, ME.

Bob's family extends their gratitude to all friends and family who provided support during the last few months of his life. A special thank you is also expressed to his hospice caregivers and the oncology team at UMass Hospital 8 North.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Bob's family on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 9:00-11:00AM in St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester with the funeral service to commence at 11:00AM. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, and, if you wish to make a donation in Bob's memory, contributions may be made to St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester 01609.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Philip G. Haddad, Jr. of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, and Holden. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.

MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL