Stephen H. “Steve” Sgambato III, 70, of Mapleville, fought the good fight, finished his race, kept the faith and was welcomed to his eternal home in heaven on March 30, 2024.
He was the cherished husband of Susan E. (Gradoni) Sgambato. They had been married for 40 years.
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Stephen and Lois (Bateman) Sgambato. Steve grew up in Centredale and had lived in Mapleville for the past 29 years.
Steve was a toolmaker and enjoyed a 35 year career working at a number of companies, retiring in 2013 from Evans Findings in East Providence.
Steve and his wife met over their shared love of music, even singing to each other at their wedding ceremony, and throughout their married life were active members of their church community, serving in the music ministry at various churches. In his retirement, Steve continued to play guitar and bass on the worship team, sang in the choir, led a small group Bible study, and helped maintain the church grounds. He also volunteered for the Rhode Island Blood Center and participated in many American Cancer Society fundraising events with his wife.
In addition to his wife, Steve is survived by his children, Stephen H. Sgambato IV and his wife Kim, Jessica Fugere and her husband Eric, and five grandchildren: Elizabeth, Johnathan, Matthew, Michaela and Zachary. He was the brother of Laurie Costa, Nancy Harris and Walter Sgambato. He was predeceased by his brother Michael Sgambato.
When Steve wasn’t volunteering his time, he enjoyed NASCAR, Yankees baseball, Minnesota Vikings football and Three Stooges marathons. He particularly enjoyed nights at Thompson and Seekonk Speedways with family and neighbors. Steve loved camping and walks in the woods with his two yellow Labrador retrievers, Sadie and Carly, who no doubt were there to greet him at heaven’s gate. After their passing, he always kept dog biscuits in his pockets to share with the neighbor’s dogs on daily walks.
Steve was a kind, gentle and compassionate man with a special brand of humor. His quiet strength and trust in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through an eleven year battle with cancer was an inspiration to all who knew him. Steve always determined to live each day intentionally, grateful to God for his daily blessings and trusting Him for the future.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the many years of excellent care Steve received at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Rhode Island Hospital. Special thanks to Dr. Khaldoun Almhanna, Dr. Thomas J. Miner and especially the oncology nursing staff. We are also grateful for the skilled and compassionate care from Jenn and Karen at Lifespan Lab in Pascoag.
Relatives and friends are invited to join us in celebrating Steve’s life on Saturday, April 6th AT 10:00am at Glad Tidings Community Church, 111 Victory Highway, Chepachet, RI, 02814. Visitation is respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s memory may be made to Glad Tidings Community Church.