Stephen W. Locke

June 27, 1958 ~ August 21, 2020
Burlington, MA - Stephen W. Locke Jr., 62, of South Portland, died Friday, August 21, 2020 with his loving wife by his side. He was born on June 27, 1958 in Fort Fairfield, Maine, the firstborn son of Josephine Rafferty and Stephen Locke.
Steve was a graduate of Gardiner Area High School, class of 1976. During high school. Steve developed a love of community, earning the Rotary Service Above Self award, his senior year. His involvement in his community continued into adulthood, as Steve remained a very selfless person, always the first one to offer help, to those who needed it. Steve went on to graduate from the University of Maine at Farmington.
Steve Jr. married Jane Welch on February 13, 1982 at Holy Cross Church in South Portland. Steve and Jane lived a happy life and together they raised four children. Steve loved family time with Jane, his kids and grandkids. He was always the first to arrive at birthday parties, sports and school events. He coached all four of his kids and their friends in basketball, soccer, softball and baseball. His greatest joy was coaching his granddaughter, Maddie in second/third grade basketball. He also coached his grandson, Hunter on the sidelines at his youth football games.
He began his career at Pepsi, first known as Seltzer and Rydholm on October 13, 1982. He started as a bulk driver helper, eventually working his way up to the position of PepsiCo Food Service Representative. He was a dedicated employee for the past 38 years. Steve was a people person, a problem solver and had a superb work ethic, which he proudly instilled in all four of his children.
Steve had a zest for life. He enjoyed being active, including working events at the civic center, umpiring, golfing, frozen four hockey, New York Giants football and playing poker with his high school buddies.
Steve was loved and is survived by his wife Jane; his children Sean, Brian and Heather, Elizabeth and Joe, Marianne and Dave; grandchildren; Hunter, Madison, Amelia and Austin. He is also survived by his father, Stephen and wife Carmen; brother, Jerry and wife Cathy; nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in law, brothers-in -law and numerous wonderful friends.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a Graveside Service at 11AM on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at Highland Memorial Cemetery in South Portland. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland.
Steve, it was a privilege to care for you. All of us could see how much of a big heart you had. Jane, reach out anytime we are all thinking of you.
– Tribute Store
Steve was one of the most efficient and loyal people I ever worked with He gave so much extra like his commitment to Maine Children Cancel Program, So Portland schools and the Cumberland Civic center
– Peter DeSimon
I worked with Steve @ Pepsi for several years. He was always willing to help everyone out and you could tell he enjoyed his work. He was a caring and giving man and will be greatly missed. Please accept my deepest condolences at your loss. Carol V.
– Carol V.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Love Chuck, Beth and boys.
– Tribute Store
Steve started as my helper in 1982 at Seltzer and Rydholm. We shared some great times at work as well as outside of work. We played softball together for several years as the Pepsi Challengers and Orange Crush team. Lots of great memories. I moved on from Pepsi but enjoyed seeing Steve on many occasions at the Cumberland County Civic Center during concerts hockey games, etc. Thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. I enjoyed many great times with Steve and will cherish the memories.
– Brent Bennett
Since Steve has passed so many memories have flooded my brain. Most I can’t put here! I am so glad that we got to see him last summer! Miss you cuz !
– Erin9Rafferty) Hubel
With loving memories of Steve, Jr. — Beloved Son, Husband to Jane, Father to 4 wonderful children, and Grandfather to 4 beautiful grandchildren.
– Steve, Sr. and Carmen
I will always remember than many games we umpired together, laughing at plays, players and one another covering the unique plays that would come up. Rest well my friend.
– Art DIllon
Steve will forever be in our hearts. He was a great forever friend. Rest In Peace. Brian and Deborah Ladner
– Deborah
So sad to find Steve lost his life, such a nice man. What a great softball coach , my daughter, Katrina loved him! Many good memories. My condolences to the family, my thoughts are with you.
– Brenda Welch
Very good salesmen, better person. RIP
– Rich Russell
We are so sorry and are sending much love to you all. Steve was a kind and generous man.
– David, Amy, Nora, and Molly Cyr
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Steve was an amazing person. He will be missed.
– Love Donna Morong
I will always miss Steve. My sincerest condolences to the Locke family.
– Dick Boyd
Would like to send my deepest sympathy to the Locke Family. I knew Steve from growing up in West Gardiner. Steve was a kind, caring and family man. He loved sports. He also got me to play in the Greater Portland over 50 Softball League. May God Bless him and his family. Frank McLaughlin.
– Kim McLaughlin
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With Deepest Sympathy, Amelia Carney & the PepsiCo Foodservice Team .. May he Rest in Peace
– Tribute Store
I will always remember Steve’s gatherings at his home to celebrate his children’s graduations. He was so proud of his children and loved his wife dearly. So glad to be a part of his family. Much love, Cousin Kathy Goodness
– Kathy Goodness
Steve had a smile for everyone, he was the reason we all got to play softball in the 50 and over league in greater Portland and Wainwright Field in South Portland, I considered Steve as a great friend and will miss him very much. With love and respect . Don Foshay Sr.
– Donald Foshay Sr
We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Please know you are in our thoughts today. Warmly, Kris, Skip, Nate , Cassie and Casey Murray
– Kgmurray
“Stephen Locke” will remain in our hearts forever.
– Augustine & Alicia Hartman .
With loving memories of “Stephen Locke”, Senior Men”s Softball League
– Tribute Store
a good friend I will never forget going to the giant games and you and me being roomies. Always great to see your big smile on your face just a great man I will miss you deeply. I know you will be watching those g man from up above.
– Tom Degifico
Rest in paradise Steve you always had a knack for making people smile. I hope you are at peace.
– Steph Turner
With deepest sympathy and condolences to Jane and family. Steve was a great friend who I and will greatly missed. May he Rest In Peace.
– Dick McElhaney
With deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the Locke family; keep the good memories close to your hearts. Take care. Lee and Joy Harvey
– Lee
Condolences to the LOCKE family. Steve was a good man and a true friend. A big loss for the city of South Portland and its youth community. He will be missed. Charlie and Donna Hezlep
– Charles Hezlep
In Loving Memory of Our Cousin, Jeanne Adomatis, Kathy and Vickie Goodness, and Stephen Letourneau
– Jeanne, Kathy, Vickie and Stephen
With deepest sympathy,
– Tribute Store