STEPHEN EMMETT AHERN

STARKSBORO, Vt. — It is with great sorrow we announce the loss of our beloved Stephen Ahern, on June 28, 2026, at the age of 69. He died peacefully surrounded by the love of his family at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt.

He was born Nov. 4, 1956, to his parents, Omer C. Ahern Sr. and Rosa Cannistraro Ahern, in Plymouth, N.H. He grew up with his six brothers and sisters, at the Sullivan County Nursing Home complex in Unity, N.H., where his parents were the executive administrators.

Stephen was known for his warm presence and his willingness to help anyone who needed a hand. He either repaired anything that was broken, built new or performed any other construction that was needed. Being good with his hands, he was also very clever repairing and building computers from scratch. His family, neighbors and friends remember him as the man who showed up.

Stephen cherished time with family. He was a reliable provider, loving father and husband. He approached life in gratitude toward God for what he had, which was much. He would often say, “God is good to us even if we don’t see it.” His legacy is one of love and quiet generosity.

Stephen moved his family to Essex Junction, Vt., from New Hampton, N.H., in 1988, where he was employed by IBM for 27 years. His job continued seamlessly into Global Foundries from 2015 to 2019. In 2020, Stephen went into retirement after the diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Stephen is survived by his beloved wife Abbie at their home in Starksboro, Vt; and his grown children, Josiah Ahern, also of Starksboro, Thomas Ahern of Middlebury, and daughter Stephanie and her husband Joshua Hoke. He also leaves two grandsons, Samuel and Timothy Hoke, all from Winchester Ken. He is also survived by his siblings, Katherine Drexel of Plymouth, N.H., Karen Arel of Wells, Maine, Karlene Lawrence of Webster, N.H., Kristine Kidder of Newport, N.H., and Michael Ahern of Plymouth, N.H., including spouses, significant others, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Omer C. Ahern Jr.

Arrangements were made by Stephen C. Gregory and Son of South Burlington, Vt.

A celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 19, at 3 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Bristol, Vt. A meal will be available in the fellowship hall directly after, where family and friends can share stories to honor the man who meant so much to so many people.

Donations may be made to Age Well of Addison County or Elderly Services at Project Independence in Middlebury, Vt. ◊