Stephen “Steve” Domenichella, 55, a longtime Missoula resident, passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, July24, while hiking in one of his favorite places, Mount Sentinel above the University of Montana campus. We are heartbroken at the sudden loss of our brother, uncle and dear friend.
Steve was born in Concord, Massachusetts to Frank A. Domenichella, Jr. and Margaret K. (Peggy) Domenichella. Steve was the only one who affectionately called her by the nickname, “Mags.” He was raised in the family home with his siblings Frank A. Domenichella III, Paul F. Domenichella, and Mary M. Domenichella O’Halloran. Growing up, Steve enjoyed playing baseball and hockey. His family had a seasonal camping trailer in the White Mountains of New Hampshire called Terrace Pines (TP). He spent summers swimming and boating in the lake, called “Big Dan Hole Pond.” Ironically, the mountain he used to hike there was named Mount Sentinel just like the mountain in Missoula where he loved to spend his time. He often recalled high school hiking trips he had taken with friends, along with his other outdoor experiences, this likely ignited his interest in moving to Montana.
In the fall of 1987, Steve traveled across the country to attend the University of Montana. While studying forestry and being active in related clubs and activities on campus, Steve flourished, immediately forming friendships that would endure across many miles and for a lifetime. From college to working in construction, trucking, Missoula Harley Davidson, Paws Up Resort and most recently for the City of Missoula, Steve made lifelong friends every place he worked.
Steve made his home in Missoula, but tried to travel back east each year to visit family and friends. Over the years, he talked about moving back to be closer to family, but the lure of the West was powerful. Steve was fortunate to have “two families” – his Massachusetts family and his Montana family, along with countless friends across the many miles and around the country. He loved them all and worked hard to keep connected with everyone through phone calls, trips and get-togethers. But even if he hadn’t seen you in years, you could always pick right back up where you left off with Steve; he was easy to talk to, easy to be with and easy to love.
Steve loved spending time outdoors, riding his Harley down Montana highways and backroads, an occasional game of Texas Hold’em, Griz football, big classic trucks, The New England Patriots, Chinese food, the Foresters Ball, and making memories with friends and family. He loved weddings, graduations, holidays – or any event that provided the opportunity to spend time with friends and loved ones. And he LOVED great food – many were treated to his famous homemade red sauce and meatballs. All were invited to his place for Thanksgiving dinners during college and, in later years, he always had more invitations to holiday dinners with friends than he could possibly attend. He would come for dinner and leave with an armload of delicious leftovers!
These are some of our favorite memories of Steve – he was funny, fun and enjoyed a good time. But it should also be noted that he had a deeply spiritual side as well. Steve was a Christian and his Faith was central in his life. We are comforted that Steve has entered Heaven to be reunited with his parents and other family and friends who preceded him. He’ll see his beloved cat, Grady, too.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and “Mags.” He is survived by his siblings Frank and his wife Bea, Paul and his wife Jeanne and Mary O’Halloran and her husband Chuck. Steve was cherished by his nieces and nephew Kate, Rebekah, Maddie, Peter and Gabbi. He is also survived by his uncle, Dick Lahnstein and his partner Geneva Smithlin and his godparents John Turano and Toni Cortilou.
We will miss Steve’s laugh, his sense of humor, good nature, and how he was always “up for anything” especially if it would make a great story! So, to honor our friend, we will gather to share some of those stories and other remembrances of Steve on Wednesday, July 31, at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula. Visitation at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, a lunch reception will be held at Ployhar Ranch 310 Swanson Lane, Potomac, Montana.
Our time together will be a celebration of Steve’s life and also a Montana send-off. Per Steve’s wishes, he will return to Massachusetts to be laid to rest beside his Mom and Dad. A memorial and celebration of his life that includes his family and friends in New England awaits him there.
Mount Sentinel was one of Steve’s favorite places. He hiked the “M” three days a week all year long, rarely missing a planned hike. In the winter, he wore spikes on his shoes to hike the icy trail. What started as exercise to alleviate back pain, turned into something of a meditative practice. On his hikes, Steve could do his deep thinking; at the top, he could take in the beauty of Missoula and the surrounding valleys. It likely reminded him of the path that brought him to Montana and the many reasons why he made Missoula his home.
At his family’s request, and in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Steve’s memory are asked to consider a donation to preserve and maintain the “M” Trail on Mount Sentinel above the University of Montana campus. The Friends of the M Trail account is established at the UM Foundation. Donations are tax-deductible and directly benefit maintenance and preservation of the trail.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Stephen Domenichella, please visit our flower store.
