Amherst, Ma. Stephen William Helden, age 79, passed away peacefully on Monday October 21, 2024. He was born on October 29, 1944 in Boston, MA to Irene (Moscaritolo) and Bill Helden.

Always in pursuit of knowledge, Stephen studied at St. Lawrence University, St. Andrews University in Scotland, Syracuse University and Boston College, and, later, completed coursework at Columbia University in computer programming. While living in Boston, Stephen met his best friend and life partner, Rosanne (Kaufman) Helden who was the neighbor upstairs. This commenced a marriage of 50 years marked by mystery road trips with their dog and a hibachi grill and a pack of pork chops, long hikes in the woods, double features at the Orson Welles Theater in Harvard Square, home cooked dinners with their family, afternoons of classical music and book reading, and train rides into NYC for museums and theater.

Stephen was an economist turned computer programmer who worked in finance in NYC. In his spare time, he played his vinyl loudly, made mix tapes (and eventually playlists), read the NYT daily, baked crusty bread, made delicious French inspired meals, threw balls for his beloved dogs, and enjoyed his friends and family, especially in conversation on topics ranging from poetry to politics. His role as a parent and grandparent brought him deep and abounding joy – Stephen was a master at playing 20 questions, his sense of humor was witty and dry, he envisioned snow piles as faraway lands, and delighted in surprise ice cream cones for his grandchildren. He was the kind of parent and grandparent who would pause to point out the beauty of the sky.

Stephen is survived by his wife Rosanne, daughter Emily and son-in-law Tom, grandchildren Leah Rose, Hazel Ruth, and Oliver Stephen, sisters Susan (Claude) and Jane (Jim), brothers-in-law Charles (Jody) and Arthur (Ric), dog Maple, and many dear friends and family. 

A celebration of life will be planned for January 5th, 2025, in Western Massachusetts with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Hospice of the Fisher Home in memory of Stephen Helden. 1165 N Pleasant St Amherst 01002 

http://www.fisherhome.org

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com