Stephen E. Knox

BENTON – “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

With heavy hearts and immense love, we share the passing of Stephen E. Knox, 47, of Benton, who left us far too soon after brain cancer took him from the life he loved. Steve could not be defined as battling or fighting cancer because if brain cancer were a “fight,” Steve would have won. He had courage, strength, and perseverance like no other. He lived with unwavering hope, positivity, and immense bravery in the face of a terminal illness. Steve passed away on Dec. 14, 2024, in the arms of his family, whom he cherished beyond measure.

Steve grew up in Fairfield, full of energy, and began a lifelong love for the outdoors. He spent countless hours biking and enjoying the outdoors with his buddies, Barry and Todd. Together, they learned to play golf from Steve’s Pepe—he always returned home with his signature grin after beating his friends. His childhood vacations to Old Orchard Beach with his Pepe and Meme created a profound love for the beach. With a little smirk on his face, Steve would fondly recall ingrained childhood memories of seemingly never running out of quarters at the arcade and ending the nights with Pier Fries and fried dough. These traditions continued to bring Steve joy as he carried them on with his family. Steve enjoyed playing and watching sports. As he grew older, he spent many weekends watching short track racing with family and friends. While at Lawrence High School, Steve’s enthusiastic personality shined as Captain of the LHS Rowdies, rallying fans with unmatched passion and pride.

At 17, Steve started dating Kelley, and so began the beginning of an extraordinary life they built together. High school sweethearts who became soulmates, Steve and Kelley grew up together, creating an inseparable bond marked by unconditional love, support, and endless adventure. They married young, built the life they dreamed of, celebrated 25 years of marriage, and were together for 30 unforgettable years. Steve and Kelley both unequivocally believed that they were meant for each other and that there would undoubtedly be enough love to last until they were reunited.

Upon graduating high school, Steve typically worked two to three jobs at once, including Chinet, Valley Distributors, and American Tissue, as well as various other jobs, to build his family’s first home at the age of 22. Steve and Kelley welcomed two daughters, Samantha and Sidney, to complete their little family. In 2001, Steve started his company, Knox Yard Maintenance, transforming his passion and grit into a thriving business that expanded to service commercial accounts across Maine. His hard work in the heat and freezing temperatures never dampened the big smile he always wore on his face. He was deeply grateful to have his best friend, Barry, as his right-hand man.

Steve’s favorite role in life was being a dad—many people try, but he perfected it. As the ultimate girl dad to Sam and Sid, he poured his heart into raising his girls, making them the center of his universe. To them, he was more than a Dad—he was their coach, adventure buddy, teacher, and biggest fan. He wasn’t a dad who only attended major events and milestones; he was a dad who loved his babies more than anything and never missed a moment in their lives. He gave everything he had to his family. With open arms, a sense of humor, and a zest for life, he taught his girls to be strong, kind, and to embrace the power of laughter, especially when life got tough.

Steve’s love of adventure defined much of his family’s life. He introduced his girls to a world far beyond Maine—traveling the globe together, from New Zealand to Iceland, Hawaii, the Bahamas, Disney’s around the world, and his beloved Sanibel Island. Whether hiking volcanoes, snorkeling with sea turtles, or simply building sandcastles on the beach, he was happiest with Kelley, Sam, Sid, and Shy by his side. He packed their lives with adventure, sunshine, and a million unforgettable moments.

Steve was more than a runner—he was a force of nature, always in motion, rain or shine. With his signature smile, ’70s rock music playing, and a soul that craved sunshine, he would often run a marathon before most people were awake. For Steve, running wasn’t just a hobby; it was about freedom, clarity, and pushing beyond limits. His proudest running moment came in 2024 when he crossed the Boston Marathon finish line and said, “I’ve got at least 10 more miles in me.” He lived life at full speed, always giving 150 percent in everything he did— whether running, working, or loving his family.

Steve’s life was a constant celebration of music, sunshine, humor, family, and the simple joys of life. He was a “professional air guitarist” and could name every ’70s band and sing every lyric, always with a smile and a laugh—at home, in the car, or mowing ballfields. As a loyal Boston Red Sox and Patriots fan, he loved cheering on his teams and teaching his daughters the game he loved. Every winter, he basked in the Fort Myers sun with a Bud Light in hand, cheering on the Sox. His favorite days were spent running the shoreline of Sanibel Island, collecting seashells, and having a rum punch at Doc Ford’s after a perfect day of music, family, and baseball. Steve’s bright spirit and love of life will be remembered in every sunrise and all of his favorite songs.

Steve is deeply missed by his soulmate, Kelley Knox; his daughters and best friends, Samantha Knox and Sidney Knox; his loyal golden and constant companion, Shylah, and Teo De Jesus, whom he loved like a son. He is also survived by his best friend and brother, Barry Poulin; brothers Josh Knox and Shawn Knox; parents, Deborah DeRoche and Wayne Knox; grandparents Howard and Florence Knox; and “brother” Steve Dostie. Numerous family and friends, including Melina Clemente Mollica, Todd Leary, Lisa Marks, Rob Bagley, Brock Dostie, Bryce Dostie, Tracy Chamberland, Lilly Grant, Mickey York, Guy Poulin, Dana DeRoche, Mike DeRoche, and Trevor Mitchell; his crew from Knox Yard Maintenance; families of Little Friends, and his mother and father-in-law, Steve and Roxanne Dostie, who loved him as their own.

A special thank you to his caring medical team, who always appreciated his witty sense of humor, positivity, and tenacity—Dr. Rughani, Dr. Chukwueke, Aleks Torres, Lauren Heikkinen, Meghan Thornberg, and many others.

Steve has been reunited with his loving grandparents, Meme and Pepe (Joan and Gilbert DeRoche Sr.), who helped lay the foundation of love and laughter that guided his life; his dogs, Lani and Cocoa; and many family and friends, including his friend Mike Hamlin and Roland Leary, who treated him like a son.

Steve’s memorial service will be held at his home on Sept. 13, at 4 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to join us in honoring Steve’s memory with a service followed by dinner, music, and memories of Steve. This will be an adults-only Celebration of Life.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad— we miss you every minute of everyday.

“The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind.”

In lieu of flowers, a charitable fund has been established in Steve’s honor. Anyone wishing to contribute may send donations to:

Steve Knox Memorial Fund

P.O. Box 2505

Waterville, ME 04903

Additional details about the charity will be shared as it develops further over the coming year.