Stephen Armand Patenaude

Stephen Armand Patenaude, 58, of Melville St. in Springfield slipped his earthly bonds and joined his parents on Tuesday while vacationing at his "home away from home", Wadleigh Falls Campground in Lee, New Hampshire where he had spent many summers with his devoted family. Stephen was born in Springfield on February 25, 1959, to the late Armand and Ruth (Tromley) Patenaude. He was raised and educated in Springfield and attended local schools. Stephen worked as a Porter and Grocery Bagger for Stop & Shop on Riverdale road in West Springfield for 24 years before retiring in 2012. He was a proud member of UFCW Local #1459 in Springfield. He enjoyed meeting the many customers over the years who became his friends. Stephen, blessed with Downs Syndrome was able to enjoy a normal and productive life thanks to his devoted family and also HRU, Pyramid program and Multicultural Community Services, all of whom allowed him to live, laugh, work and enjoy his life with dignity and respect. He loved Hockey, especially the Springfield Falcons. He was a devoted Tampa Bay Devils Ray Baseball fan, even in Red Sox country. He enjoyed Oldies music, dancing and was a big fan of WWE and the "Hulkster". Stephen leaves his devoted siblings; Martin "Sonny" Brown of Lakeland, Fla., Anthony Brown of Romulus, NY, Donald Brown of Ludlow, David Patenaude of Springfield, Ruth Ann Bilodeau of Ludlow and Shirley Powloka who he made his home with in Springfield. He was an honored Godfather to his niece, Cortni K. Avery in addition to all his other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Stephen leaves a special friend, buddy, mentor and Big Brother, Ray Bolduc, who was always there for him no matter what. His parents predeceased him as well as two siblings; Joseph Brown and James Patenaude and a niece, Kathy Brown and nephew, Donald Brown Jr. Calling hours for Stephen will be on Monday afternoon at the Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main St., Indian Orchard from 4 to 7 p.m.  Funeral services will begin Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. gathering at the Ratell Funeral Home followed by a liturgy of Christian Burial at 10: 00 A.M. at Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Blvd., Springfield with Fr. Matthew Alcombright, Celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Aloysius Cemetery, Indian Orchard. Donations in Stephens's memory may be made to Multicultural Community Services of Springfield, 1000 Wilbraham Rd., Springfield, Mass. 01109