On December 15, 2025, Stephen J. O’Keefe passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, while listening to his wife of 55 years tell the story of their love.

Stephen was born into a large, loving Irish Catholic family and raised in the Bronx, New York. He lived with his parents, Raymond and Mary O’Keefe, in a small two-bedroom apartment, along with his three brothers and his Uncle John. Stephen enjoyed a joyful and fun-filled childhood, spending time with his cousins and his close friends: Spero, Teddy, Tommy, Dougie, and Laura.

After graduating from high school, Stephen enlisted in the United States Navy in 1966, where he was trained as a Hospital Corpsman. He was soon deployed to Vietnam, serving as a field corpsman with the Marines and known to many as “Doc.” To his family and countless others, he was a true hero–both on the battlefield and in life. Stephen was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor and the Purple Heart for his service. Despite these honors, he remained quiet and humble, never wanting to be called a hero. He believed he was simply a man doing his duty and making sure his men came home.

In November 1969, while out with friends at a small restaurant/pub in Throggs Neck, New York, Stephen met the love of his life, Claire Olsey. It was his sense of humor that captivated Claire, and they quickly became inseparable. They were engaged in January 1970 and married that November, surrounded by close friends and family. Stephen was deeply supported by his three brothers–Edward, Robert, and Donald–whom he loved immensely. He often spoke proudly of them and the special bond they shared. Stephen and Claire began building their life together on Long Island, where Stephen worked for the telephone company, from which he retired in 2013.

In the early 1970s, Stephen and Claire began raising their four children. Together, they taught them the values of kindness, service, and the importance of family. Stephen modeled these values by example. He counseled and led various youth groups, actively participated in his church, and volunteered with many community organizations. This commitment and dedication helped inspire his children to pursue careers in emergency services, law enforcement, healthcare, and hospitality. Family always came first to Stephen. He made sure he and his family were present for many extended family gatherings, including Christmas at Nana’s, visits with Grandma and Poppa, and countless cousins’ events, weddings, and religious milestones.

With a passion for instilling strong values in his children, Stephen taught them to embrace change, leading by example when he moved his family from New York to New Hampshire. He encouraged them to “do what you want without being scared.” As his children grew and began families of their own, Stephen and Claire continued their tradition of bringing everyone together for spontaneous dinners, holidays, and other special occasions.

Throughout his life, Stephen was known by many names, but none was more cherished than the one he gained in 2004: Pops. Nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his eight beloved grandchildren. From climbing trees while apple picking, to breakfast at the Yankee Chef, to golfing with his “Grands,” he was truly in his element. Even when golf wasn’t their passion, the Grands always looked forward to time on the course with Pops–especially for the chance to drive the golf cart, no matter their age or size. Stephen dedicated himself to being present for his grandchildren, cheering the loudest from the sidelines at games and applauding proudly from the audience at plays and concerts. Simply being in his presence filled them with happiness. Each grandchild will forever cherish his goofy, loving, and caring spirit and carry his legacy forward for generations to come. There was no sound more beautiful than the laughter of Pops and the Grands when they were together.

Stephen is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Claire; his children, Kerry Viger (David), Stephen (Ami), Kenneth (Brooke), and Timothy; his Grands, Madison, Aidan, Keegan, Ryland, Padrick, Brayden, Rory, and Raegan; the family matriarch, Catherine O’Keefe; his brothers, Edward, Robert (Bobbie), and Donald (Ann); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Mary; his granddaughter, Abbey; his sister-in-law, Andrea; and many aunts and uncles. Stephen will be forever missed by everyone he touched. As Stephen would always say, “I’m not sleeping, but just resting my eyes!”

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the St John Neumann Catholic Church 708 Milford Road, Merrimack, NH. Burial with Military honors will conclude in the Riverside cemetery, Milford.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations in memory of Stephen be made to Special Olympics of NH.

Arrangements are in the care of the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.smith-heald.com for more information.