BELFAST — Stephen Michael Boguen, 70, passed away unexpectedly on May 24, 2024, in Belfast. He was born on August 4, 1953 in East Cleveland, Ohio, the eldest son of Linwood and Sandra Boguen. He was a graduate of Belfast Area High School, Class of 1971, and the University of Maine at Machias, Class of 1973. 

As a youth, Steve was involved in little league and boy scouts. In high school, he was a member of the golf and swim teams, managed the Belfast Lions football team and participated in school plays.

Steve married Jan Elizabeth Robbins. He was a lover of loud rock and roll, good times with friends, and tenting with Jan in the woods, cut off from the world.

Steve began working for the City of Belfast as a cemetery laborer on “the crew” in 1979. He worked under his father-in-law, willingly following directions and learning how to care for the local cemeteries. In 1984, he ascended to the role of Superintendent, a position he held for 37 years. His life’s work was to make the local cemeteries a serene, comforting place where families could come to lay their loved ones to rest and make future visits. The Grove Cemetery Chapel restoration and the “old section” stone restoration project were two of his greatest accomplishments. During the winter months, he plowed and sanded for the city, advising that some of his best times of reflection were sitting in his sand truck, waiting for the street to be cleared.

Steve donated his time to helping others as a volunteer firefighter and was also the animal control officer in Belfast for many years.

Steve was an avid outdoorsman; he loved to hunt, camp, and fish. He was a green thumb and managed a large garden and greenhouse every year. He loved the Boston Bruins and the Boston Red Sox and was glad to have witnessed the Sox successes in the last twenty years. He summited Mount Katahdin six times; his last trip culminated in a trek across the Knife Edge, only because his daughter finally found the guts to do it.

Surviving is his mother, Sandra (Merriam) Boguen of Belfast; his children, son, Michael S. Boguen and fiancé Amanda Curtis of Searsmont; daughter, Amanda E. Munson and husband Patrick of Belfast; brother, Barry Boguen and wife Cindy, of Swanville; sister Brenda Coggins of North Kingstown, Rhode Island; sister Susan Drinkwater and husband Gary of Northport; sister Laurie Smith and husband Darrell of Morrill, brother-in-law Bradley Bowen of Belfast and brother-in-law Roger Robbins and wife Linda of Newbury, New Hampshire.

He is also survived by his two aunts, Sheila Chandler of Swanville and Sharon Paul of Gorham, and many special nieces and nephews who thought the world of him.

He was predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Jan E. (Robbins) Boguen; his father, Linwood (Red) Boguen; sister, Karen A. Bowen; father and mother- in-law Rodney M. Robbins and Ruth E. Robbins.

We feel joy in knowing that he is reconnected with Teenie and Casey, to whom he was the best “dog dad” and “dog grandpa.”

A graveside service will be held June 9, 2024, at 2 p.m., at Grove Cemetery in Belfast.

A memorial fund will be set up in Steve’s name and proceeds will be used to further the beautification of Belfast cemeteries. Please send all donations to: Amanda E. Munson, 126 Marsh Road, Belfast, ME 04915.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.