Stephen Townsend

Stephen Townsend (64), of Bedford, NH and Nantucket, MA, passed away on January 19, 2018.

Stephen was born in Rochester, NY on February 24, 1953 to the late Dr. Edward and Virginia (Pack) Townsend. Stephen graduated from Middlebury College (1975, BA) and the University of Rochester (1979, MBA). In Rochester, he spent his weekends on the rugby pitch with the Rochester Aardvarks. These rugby parties led him to the love of his life, Deborah (Oliver) Townsend. They married in Canandaigua, NY on September 25, 1982 and moved to Bedford, NH shortly after to raise their family. Stephen was a devoted father who never missed a tennis match or field hockey game. He loved his many pets over the years, and recently relished the opportunities to watch his granddogs Vinny, Kappie, and Huckleberry.

He planned amazing adventures for his family, including hiking in New Zealand, horseback riding in Ireland, and scuba diving in Belize. Of course, there was a history lesson in every trip. After a career in finance, Stephen retired from PC Connection, allowing him to spend the last several years enjoying life to the fullest with his family.

He was always happiest on Nantucket, and retirement allowed him to finally make the island his home. He was a life-long member of the Nantucket Yacht Club, where he taught sailing as a teenager and later served on the Board of Governors.

Every summer morning started early with his tennis group on the court, after which they lingered to drink coffee and solve the world's problems. He spent the rest of the day as close to the ocean as possible, whether he was at Ladies' Beach or on "Tanque Verde," his treasured Rainbow with the bright pink sail. His favorite dinner was a family cookout with swordfish from 167, Bartlett's corn, and a Cisco Indie.

Stephen was the most dependable person, always there for his family and friends, so his sudden departure comes as a shock. However, his legacy of kindness and humor will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Deborah; his daughters, Elizabeth (Matthew) Mone and Alice Townsend; his siblings, James (Anne) Townsend, Margot Young, George (Louise) Townsend, and Virgina Townsend; and many beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018 at 10:00 am at the Bedford Presbyterian Church, 4 Church Road, Bedford, NH 03110. The interment and a memorial will be held on Nantucket at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Rochester Regional Health Foundation, 100 Kings Highway South, Ste 2300, Rochester NY 14617, in support of pediatric resident education and research to honor the life-long commitment of Dr. Edward H. Townsend, Jr.