GREENE — Stephen “Steve” Place, age 77, of Greene, Maine, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 26, 2024, after a brief illness.

Steve was born April 6, 1947, in Belfast, Maine, the son of Vernon Brewster Place and Janet Hodgdon Hills.

Though a giant of a man, Steve had a very gentle disposition, a beautiful smile, quick wit, and loved to laugh. He was one of the kindest and most loving of souls, and to know him was to love him. He was a real heartthrob in his youth and remained a dapper dresser throughout his life. He lived an unconventional life, but a full one nonetheless, with multiple talents and interests. Steve was a gifted artist who sketched, painted, did woodworking, sewed, and gardened. He liked to cook, loved music and movies, and had a keen interest in earth science, biology, sailing,  travel, and history from all parts of the world. During his lifetime, he worked on farms, in carpentry and construction, and as a custodian. 

Steve was truly rich in the friends he had and how much he was loved. He will be dearly missed.

Steve was predeceased by his parents, Vernon Place and Janet Hills Gagnon, and by brothers Forrest A. Place, Samuel C. Place, and Leo  A. Place Camerario; sisters Sandra L. Place Pierre, Dawn L. Place Donovan, Sarie Andrea Place, and stepbrother Frank Gagnon III, and step-sister Linda Gagnon Handriken.

He leaves behind brother Ashley K. Place and wife Julie of Florida; sisters Gina Sucharewicz of East Machias, Leona Gagnon and husband Randy Walls of Franklin, and Nancy Place Camerario of Salem, Massachusetts. 

Also, brother-in-law, Nathan Pierre of Folsom, Louisiana, and step-brother Joseph Camerario of Everett, Massachusetts; plus many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Steve also leaves behind many dear and special friends, who are his second family in the Greene area: Lisa, Penny, Laurie, Rhonda V., Rhonda C., Joe, Barbara, Jacques, Carlos, Jeremy, and Ailitia.

Interment was held on June 11, 2024, at Mt. Cavalry Cemetery in Ellsworth, Maine.

A Celebration of Life will be held by his family and friends at his home in Greene on June 29, 2024.  

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation on Steve’s behalf to your local SPCA, animal rescue, or homeless shelter. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com