Visitation
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Service
Committal
Steven Joseph Stafstrom, 67, of Nebo, NC, passed away on August 13, 2025 after a courageous, seven-year battle with cancer.
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut on July 2, 1958, he was the son of the late John Francis Stafstrom and Joan Oberer Stafstrom. He was a graduate of Newington High School in Connecticut, and a devoted alumnus of St. Anselm’s College and the University of Notre Dame, where he played rugby and graduated with an Electrical Engineering degree.
As a businessman, Steven was a successful and well-respected Manufacturing Operations Executive, having worked at Textron at the Stratford (CT) Army Engine Plant and for 2 decades at Stanley Black and Decker, where he retired as a Senior Operations Executive, holding a Board position. He was a leader and a mentor, intrepid in his endeavors. While being a savvy executive, he was an optimist who always looked for the good in others.
Those who knew Steven, knew of his great passion for all things Notre Dame. He was an avid football fan, becoming a season ticket holder which was a great point of pride for him. He loved being able to take family to tour campus, share the Irish spirit, tailgate and cheer the team on to victory.
Steven was a loving father, grandfather, and brother, and had a great love for his large extended family. Steve especially relished the Stafstrom Family Christmas Eve, a tradition started by his father, and he took on the task of preparing the Swedish Meatballs, keeping the tradition that the whole family loved alive.
Steven was an accomplished runner, completing the Boston Marathon twice. He volunteered as a Little League coach in Orange, CT for his children for many years. He loved the beach, the lake, and became an avid golfer in his retirement years.
In his retirement years, Steven found peace living with his wife Valerie in the beautiful foothills of western North Carolina on Lake James. They were very happy to enjoy their most special place with their extended families. He and his wife became members of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Morganton, NC.
In more recent years, along with his wife, he established the “Steven and Valerie Stafstrom Foundation” for charitable giving. The Foundation’s mission is to help fund higher education, medical research, the underserved, and the preservation of our natural resources and wildlife.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Valerie Ann Hugick Stafstrom; children, Steven Stafstrom, Jr. (Christine) of Bridgeport, CT, Eric Stafstrom (Sarah) of Fairfield, CT, and Kristen Stafstrom Adolph (Lee) of Columbia, MD; six grandchildren (Jessica and Julia Stafstrom, Kaylee and Elena Adolph, Oscar and Sally Stafstrom); and four brothers, John Jr. (Dennis), Paul (Clare), Greg (Suzanne), and James (Margaret) Stafstrom, all of Connecticut. He also predeceased his first wife Linda (Ferris) Stafstrom of Trumbull, CT, the mother of his children.
Calling hours for neighbors and friends in NC will be 1 – 3 PM on Monday August 18, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. Expanded services will held at a later date in Connecticut.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Steven and Valerie Stafstrom Foundation, c/o Fusco Financial Associates, 505 Baltimore Avenue, Towson, MD 21204.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Steven Joseph Stafstrom.
Steve was respected and liked by many, I especially though a lot of him since the day I started my employment with Stanley Black and decker, he helped me learn the company and always made time to talk no matter the situation or what he was involved in with the company, I was saddened to hear of his passing, and hoping his family can hold the memories they have. RIP Steve.
Exceptional leader in my earlier days at SBD! Still quote him and will continue to as his legacy shall remain strong. Rest in peace Steven! Will keep you and your family in my prayers during this challenging time.
My condolences and prayers to all who knew Steve
I’m devastated. He was a light in the dark. A spirit that left an indelible mark on my life. I miss him but will forever hold onto the memory of his smile.
Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Steve. I will always recall our time working and traveling together with the utmost fondness. I am grateful to have crossed paths with him, and fortunate to have experienced not only a strong professional partnership...but also a friendship. Extending my deepest thoughts and prayers to Steve's entire family and his many friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace my friend.
Steve was an incredible individual, professionally and personally. He was a tremendous leader and a person of integrity, with a great sense of humor. He had an extraordinary ability to work effectively with people from the BOD & CEO level to hard-working employees in the plants and distribution centers, and everyone in between. As others have said, he was always a voice of reason and remained calm regardless of the conditions, and everyone valued his input and guidance. I consider myself very fortunate to have worked for him. We will miss Steve dearly, but his memory will always remain in our hearts. I extend my deepest condolences to Steve’s entire family.
I am so grateful to have known Steve. We met while I was working with the SBD leadership team as an independent consultant connected with Morgan State University. Steve was always such a wise source of council with an open door policy. I could stop by his office and if he was free, we would chat and he would provide guidance and direction that led to a successful initiative that delivered business value. His confidence in me helped me launch my 2nd career as a consultant and I am very grateful for how he touched my life in such a brief period of time (over ~ 2 years: 2017 - 2019). Praying God will bless the family at this time of loss. With thoughts and prayers. Pam Lindsey L4 Services LLC
Steve was one of the most influential leaders that I had the pleasure to work under at SBD and I’m saddened to learn of his passing. He was always the voice of reason in the room and truly cared about people. His wit and wisdom were second to none and I feel truly blessed to have known him. Prayers for all the family during this difficult time.
Steve was a great leader here at SBD. While his expertise was in Supply Chain, we valued Steve's opinion across the entire business. He was always focused on the customer and understanding how decisions would impact the customer. Even in turbulent times, Steve was the voice of reason in the room - he remained calm regardless of what the conditions were like outside. He could go on for hours talking Notre Dame football, but he was humble even when they were beating up on the Seminoles! RIP Steve - you will be missed! May you have an endless supply of Dark-n-Stormy's in heaven. - Frank
I was deeply had saddened to learn of Steve’s passing. I not only considered him a valued colleague, but also a good friend, who’s integrity, wit, wisdom, and insight left a lasting impression on me and all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Anyone who knew Steve was better for it in many ways. I admired and respected Steve greatly. I extend my deepest condolences to Valerie and Steve’s entire family. I hope all are comforted with the knowledge that Steve is already in a much better place. Godspeed, my friend.