Stephen E. Berube
December 26, 1952 ~ June 26, 2021
Resided in:
Portland, ME
Portland- Stephen E. Berube, 68, of Vaill Street passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at his home with his loving family by his side.
Stephen was born in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada on December 26, 1952, the youngest of five children of Norbert and Malvina (Beaulieu) Berube.
The family immigrated to Portland, Maine in 1962 and became the first year-round residents of Great Diamond Island. After their fathers passing in 1966, Stephen and his siblings took over the caretaker duties for the island. Throughout their years on the island, Stephen attended Portland Schools commuting by ferry. Upon graduation, he furthered his education and later graduated from the University of Southern Maine.
Stephen's love for Casco Bay and his island roots inspired him to pursue a carpentry career, where he was well known and established as a master craftsman. His passion and talent for restoring homes to their original beauty, combined with his attention to detail and ability to adapt to construction on an island, kept him booked until the day he retired.
It was on Great Diamond Island where Stephen met the love of his life and beautiful bride, Patricia (Ticia) Davenport. They both described it as "love at first sight" and quickly married in 1979. The newlyweds soon moved to the mainland and settled in Portland. Stephen commuted to his island work sites on his Boston Whaler with his Springer Spaniel perched on the bow. The pair were an iconic image throughout the bay. After raising three sons, sharing his passion with them and teaching them his craft, Stephen retired in 2017 to do what he loved most and what he was always meant to do, which was to be the most loving "Pop Pop" to his six beautiful grandchildren.
Stephen was predeceased by his sister, Solange in 2000. He is survived by his loving wife, Ticia Berube of Portland; sons, Travis and his wife Jamie Berube of Old Orchard Beach, Serge and his wife Amanda Berube of Windham, Nathan and his wife Jessica Berube of Falmouth; brothers, Georges Berube, John Serge Berube; a sister Ghislaine Berube-Hughes; six grandchildren, Jason, Stephen, Mia, Serena, Isla and Macy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 10:00am at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland, ME. Burial will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. To view Stephen's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
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Steve and I were roommates on Cumberland Ave and worked together at the “Bay Lines” for several years in the early seventies. I like to think we had a pretty good time in those years, and I always felt like his heart was as big as anything. I am very saddened to hear of his passing, and will remember him very fondly. I always try and remember that those that pass before us live on in us, and I know that will be true for his family and friends during this tough time. Bill (“Big Bird”) Neily
– Bill Neily
Steve was always so kind and compassionate, and I will always remember him as someone who saw me as a person, not just a pesky kid. With much love –
– Barbara (Leddy) Goglin
Tricia, Steve is part of my memories since way way back. I was always able to keep up with him thru Dan. We are so sorry for your loss Marsha (Stevens) and Rocco
– Marsha Stevens
We have such fond memories of Steve on Great Diamond Island. Our thoughts are with him & his family. All the Sedgewicks
– Janice Sedgewick Connolly
Travis your Dad was special person that I have Known since I could walk, he was the type of man that I hope I can instill in my children his genuine qualities of life. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to know your dad. My heart and prayers goes out to your and your family. Phil Laughlin
– Phil Laughlin
Found a couple more from the same fall down bay boat trip!
– Ron Jordan
We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing, Travis. We feel grateful to have met him, to have seen the wonderful way you and Serge and your dad worked together, and feel blessed to be surrounded by beautiful Berube handiwork. I remember Steve asking me what kind of mantle I wanted for the fireplace, and I pointed to a picture in a book. Then he built it out back. I think of that every time I look at it. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Lynn Davey and Ben Dudley
– Lynn
Stephen was one of my oldest and dearest friends. We grew up together on Great Diamond Island. I met Stephen and his brother Serge in 1961, and we were friends for decades. I always looked forward to seeing him on the island or running into him in Portland. His sense of humor was infectious and his talents many. He was one of the smartest people I have known. We shared many memories working and spending time together on the island. I am deeply sorry about his departure and send my deepest condolences to his family. Leo Boylan
– Leo Boylan
Heartfelt condolences to the whole Berube family…Steve’s gentle smile will always be in our memories….. . Neighbors Chris and Innes Jettinghoff and Robin Morse
– Robin Morse
Ticia, I am saddened by your loss. I know how much Steve loved you, and your whole family. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
– Farrah Frager
Beloved friend
– Tribute Store
My dearest and oldest friend Steve was always a bit shy of photographs. This was one I took and a boat trip he and I did on Amscray one late fall. Our mutual friend reached out and reminded me of many memories and laughs from the back of the Berube truck, to painting the GDI hall. So many good times. I’ll miss him forever.
– Ron Jordan
Stephen was a good friend to my older brother Tim for most of my childhood. His smile, humor and gentle nature were evident to anyone that met him. As a craftsman he was deliberate and thorough, leaving many lasting upgrades to island homes on Great Diamond. I can picture him now, on the foggiest of mornings appearing out of the gloom in that whaler that seemed to run forever. Casco Bay Lines may slow down when the fog was thick, but Steve always seemed prepared for what was next and ran that skiff like it was a sunny day. My wife and I last saw Steve at the baylines picking up one of those grandkids he loved so dearly. I am not sure whose smile was bigger, Steve’s or his granddaughters. That is how we will remember Steve. He will be missed, but leaves a wonderful legacy. Thank you Steve and safe passage. Chris & Kathy Leddy
– Kathy Crangle Leddy
We are so very sorry for your loss. Steve finished our island house, which was a shell with some electrical wiring and minimal plumbing when we bought it. He was truly a master carpenter, and his talent and creativity is apparent throughout the house. He also was “tactful” about drawing our attention to some of our more questionable decisions, as in “That is not going to work,” and “Explain to me again just how you are going to keep the bead board from darkening with age.” He also was a hit with our children, especially our daughter, and took great pleasure in reducing her to giggles. We will always think so fondly of him.
– Mary Jean Crouter
In loving memory of Stephen Berube who, in his life,, created such strong roots for his family in a beautiful place that he called home
– Moriah, Dave, Sinead, Darrah and Declan
I was saddened by the news of Stephen’s passing. He was a childhood friend and expert craftsman. My condolences to Ticia and her family for their loss. Marge Johnson Solomon
– marge solomon
He was a great man