1954 - 2026
Born in Worcester, Steven was the son of the late Theron T. Pope Jr. and Mary K. (Spencer) Pope. Raised in Upton, he graduated proudly from Blackstone Valley Technical High School, where he first developed the mechanical talents that would shape his lifelong career.
Steven built his professional life on hard work and skill. He began as a Millwright for Snyder’s Brothers in Millbury before earning his CDL and driving gas tankers for AIM Tek in Auburn. During that time, he became an expert in the installation and repair of industrial tanks before moving on to Linde in Auburn as a service technician. Even after retiring, Steven’s strong work ethic never slowed — he later took on a part-time driving role with Table Talk Pies in Worcester.
Outside of work, Steven’s greatest passion was anything powered by an engine. He possessed a lifelong passion for classic cars and motorcycles, finding a unique sense of freedom on the open road. Whether attending car shows or heading out for a long motorcycle ride, he deeply appreciated the beauty and craftsmanship of finely tuned machines.
Steven was equally dedicated to his family and community. He served as an Assistant Boy Scout Leader and later Troop Leader for Douglas Troop 134, proudly passing along the outdoor knowledge he first learned as a youth in Upton. He loved keeping his family active, participating in events like the Blackstone River Race and volunteering for the Greenway Challenge.
Steve was a man of boundless kindness and ingenuity. Known for his quick wit and ready jokes, he had a natural ability to brighten any room. He was endlessly resourceful, treating every mechanical issue or home project as a challenge to solve, always taking pride in fixing things with his own two hands.
In addition to his wife June, he is survived by his children, Mark R. Pope of Worcester, and Melissa E. Slater and her husband Christopher of Douglas; his stepchildren, Robert M. Doud Jr. and his wife Heather of Dudley, and Jennifer M. Ceredona and her husband John of Mendon. He was the dear brother of David M. Pope of Douglas, Terry L. White and her husband Richard of Bellingham, Patty Maher and her husband Lester of Bellingham, and Tina Pope of Inverness, Florida. He also leaves behind six grandchildren who were truly the light of his life.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. on Thursday, February 19, at the Pickering & Son Upton Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, Upton.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 A.M. on Friday, February 20, at St. Denis Church, 23 Manchaug Street, Douglas. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Upton.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to St. Denis Church, 23 Manchaug Street, Douglas, MA 01516.
