When someone is in the military service there are several words that can bring an immediate sense of comfort, a sense of respite from the duty at hand. Words like mail, phone call, or chow. Chow isn’t just a word. Chow isn’t just food or the designated time to eat. Chow means much more than that. Chow means time to stop what you’re doing. Sit, Eat, Talk, Be with your fellow soldiers and share a meal together. That meal time is more than consuming the food, it means the binding, the cementing of the camaraderie that is formed between those few people who put on the uniform of our country and step up to serve. For those whose task it is to prepare that food, to make sure chow is ready when needed, their work is to make sure that that food, that chow, is as good, nourishing, wholesome and, yes, even as close to home as can possibly be for those servicemen and women to have that time to eat, to talk, to just be together. Chow was Steven Priest’s task; Chow was Steven Priest’s mission. Steven Priest accomplished his mission.
Steven P. Priest, 56, of Woonsocket died Thursday September 26, 2024 at the West Roxbury Veterans Administration Hospital in Boston following a courageous struggle with declining health. Steve’s final battle was just one of many during his life where he exhibited his defining characteristic of both inner and outer bravery and courage.
Born in Milford, MA he was the son of Phyllis A. (Clifford) Priest of Woonsocket and the late Robert E. Priest, Sr.
Steven was raised in Marlboro, MA and was a graduate of Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton. He was a resident of Woonsocket for over 40 years. Steve also attended Johnson and Wales University Culinary Arts program.
Steven served his country as a member of the Rhode Island Army National Guard with the 103rd Field Artillery “Bravo Battery” for over 15 years until receiving his Honorable Discharge. He was deployed to both Kuwait and later to Iraq during the war in 2004 and 2005. Steven was decorated for his service and received the following commendations: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Armed Forces Service Medal.
Steven worked as a machinist in his younger years. Steve worked at Clark, Cutler, and McDermott in Franklin and at Doug Flutie’s restaurant. His true professional calling was as a cook. Steven took great pride and satisfaction in preparing and serving meals to his family friends and his fellow soldiers who he considered as part of his extended family Steve knew just how important a good meal was to nourish not just the body, but to help raise up spirits and boost morale.
Steven enjoyed the outdoors by swimming and fishing. He had a working knowledge of cars. The music of the 80s was the soundtrack to Steven’s life and to that end he attended and rocked out to many concerts and shows. Quieter times would find Steven hitting the golf course or driving range – while he’d never make the PGA that didn’t matter to him, he had fun anyways!
Steve’s legacy will forever remain that of his total love for his family and friends and his unswerving dedication to his duty as a member of the Rhode Island Army National Guard. In the words of one of Steve’s superiors “He was one of the most loyal and dedicated members of the Guard I’ve ever had”, truly this is Steve’s legacy.
In addition to his mom Phyllis, Steve is survived by his two sons Justin Xavier Naticchioni and Tyler Isaac Naticchioni. Steve would say proudly that Justin and Tyler were two of the best things to ever happen to him. Steve is survived by Justin and Tyler’s mother Jennifer (Natticchioni) Allen and her husband Thurston Allen, Jr. and Justin's girlfriend Izabel and her son Jonathan. Steve was the brother of Robert E. “Joe” Priest, Jr. and his wife Debbie, John Priest, Brian Priest, Jeffrey Priest and his wife Norma, Bonnie Priest, Robin Priest and Lisa Woodman and her husband Joey. Steve is also survived by his extended family of many aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins as well as his “Brothers-in-Arms”.
Everyone is invited to gather to honor and remember Steve’s life at visiting hours Saturday October 19, 2024 from 2:00-5:00 pm at Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket.
www.menardfuneralhome.com