NEWTON, N.H. — William G. “Bill” Steph, 63, of Newton, N.H., formerly of North Reading, an award-winning auto body technician, passed away January 23, 2026 at Tufts Medical Center following a brief illness.
Born in Malden, he was the son of Rosemarie (Coviello) Steph and the late William D. Steph Jr., and attended Malden and North Reading schools. He graduated at the top of his class at the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School in Wakefield, earning the statewide Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) gold medal in recognition of his “exceptional commitment to trade education, leadership, teamwork, and technical skills.”
A longtime employee of Mazda Olds, he later worked self-employed and as a custodian at Merrimack College.
Family and friends lovingly recall Bill’s warmth, unsinkable good nature, kindness, unselfishness and helpfulness to one and all, especially to his parents, siblings and beloved wife of 40 years, Sheila (Brough) Steph, formerly of Winchester, Mass.
She recalled his nickname of “Triple-A Bill” because no one needed AAA’s help with their cars when Bill was around.
His best friend from grade school to the present (without ever having a fight), Dan Strong of Milton, N.H., fondly remembers that despite Bill’s friendly and gentle manner, he was asked to serve as the head of their fourth grade Safety Patrol. They played in North Reading Pop Warner football and Bill played on the vocational school football team until fracturing his leg freshman year. Typical of Bill, the injury did not prevent him from serving as an usher – on crutches – at his sister Diane’s wedding.
Growing up, Bill, an enthusiastic Patriots fan, enjoyed fishing trips, horseback riding, long walks in the woods and on Horn Pond mountain with his beloved wife, but most of all, family gatherings.
His parents and siblings could always rely on Bill to help in any situation, recalled his sister Diane, echoing his wife Sheila who said her husband “was always there for me” and loved doting on “Uncle Bill’s” many nieces and nephews.
A devoted son, brother, husband, cousin, uncle, special brother-in-law, and steadfast friend, Bill will be lovingly remembered and acutely missed by his wife Sheila (Brough) Steph of Newton, N.H.; his mother, Rosemarie (Coviello) Steph of North Reading; his sister, Diane and husband Daniel Daigle of Tewksbury; his brother, Robert Steph, wife Teresa and their sons, Anthony and Nicholas of Las Vegas; his sister-in-law Susan (Brough) Swanson and husband Richard; brothers-in-law, Richard Brough and wife Dawn; Kerry Brough and wife Helene; nieces Shayna Swanson, Nicole Hall, Victoria Hoar, Kelly Horn, Natalie O’Brien, Georgine Brough; nephews Ian Swanson, David Brough and Matthew Bellow; his longtime friend, Dan Strong; and many cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law George Brough.
Cremation will be at Casper Funeral Home, Boston, with a celebration of Bill’s life to be held at a later date.