Steven James Funch

Steven James Funch, 28, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday afternoon, January 23, 2019, surrounded by family. He was the much loved son of Paul and Donnie Funch of Groton.

Steven was born on July 28, 1990 in Nashua, NH. He brightened the lives of his parents, his brother Christopher and his wife Lindsey, his nurse and BFF Evelyn, the Seven Hills staff at Sand Hill Rd., his housemates Victoria, Will, Dannis, and Kelley, as well as many relatives and friends. All of us will miss his mischievous and happy spirit.

Born with severe cerebral palsy, he went through the Groton school system in their special education program. He developed many friendships during those school years that persist to this day, thanks to annual reunions organized by DJ Don and GDRSD special education teachers and aides. He lived at home with his family until he turned 22, whereupon he was fortunate to be able to take up residence in a Seven Hills community group home for medically fragile adults. The location of the home, near his parents, the Nashua River Rail Trail, and the handicap-accessible Tinker Trail in Rich State Forest, was perfect. He loved the outdoors and regularly went on hikes in his jogger and bike rides in his trailer with his parents. He was very social and enjoyed attending the Devens Day Hab program where he had friends who shared his interests in cooking, horticulture, sensory activities, and generally making a mess. He loved trains (he was a member of the Mystic Valley Railway Society, and attended many of their shows), musicals, action films, slapstick, lights, balloons, and big construction vehicles. He fully enjoyed life, and shared his smile and his uninhibited laughter with everyone around him.

Steven was a member of the First Parish Church of Groton congregation. Family and friends are invited to honor, remember, and celebrate Steven’s life at a memorial service in the First Parish Church of Groton, 1 Powderhouse Rd., Groton on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 10:00 AM. A reception at the church will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Steven’s name to the Seven Hills Foundation (www.sevenhills.org) to support their exceptional mission and vision.

Arrangements entrusted to the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School Street, Groton. To leave a condolence or share a message, please visit www.badgerfuneral.com