Det. Sgt. Stephen R. Desfosses, NPD, 52
Dateline: Attleboro, MA
Detective Sergeant Stephen R. Desfosses, age 52, a longtime respected member of the Norton Police Department, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was the beloved husband of Jessica C. (Vogan) Desfosses, to whom he was wed for twelve years.
Born in Boston, MA on May 2, 1968, he was a loving son of the late Romeo M. and Ann L. (Zarrella) Desfosses.
Steve grew up in Norton and was a 1986 graduate of Norton High School. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and Army Reserve.
Sergeant Desfosses began his career with the Norton Police Department in 1988, rising to the rank of Detective Sergeant. He was a member and served as commander of the prestigious Norton Police Honor Guard, leading them to numerous awards. He served on the Bristol County Task Force, ran the Norton Police Detective Division, served as a training officer and was a member of the F.O.P Lodge 30.
Steve resided with his family in Attleboro for the past seven years and was a former longtime resident of Norton. Whatever Steve set out to do, he always gave it 100 percent. His accomplishments were well known as a martial artist and musician. He was the owner and instructor at the former Ken-Ryu Karate Studio in Norton, played drums in the Army Corp Band and had the privilege to perform for the late President Ronald W. Reagan.
Steve’s family was truly the focal point of his life and always came first. When younger, he was a highly skilled diver, enjoyed brewing beer, was a motorcycle enthusiast and a member of the Iron Pigs Motorcycle Club. An ardent fan and longtime season ticket holder of the New England Patriots, Steve enjoyed his most recent hobby as a fish keeper and taking care of the multiple aquariums that adorned his home.
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his devoted and loving children: Bryanne E Desfosses and Austin S. Desfosses both of Maine, and Addison C. Desfosses and Ella C. Desfosses both of Attleboro. He was dear brother of Cheryl A. Botelho and her husband Christopher of Attleboro and Deborah L. Holmes and her husband Timothy of New Hampshire. He was the cherished son-in-law of James and Cynthia Vogan of Wrentham and is also survived by his late father’s longtime companion Janice Soullier of Attleboro. He was the brother-in-law of Amanda Moore and her husband Gregory of Norton, Hannah Bonoyer and her husband John of Cumberland and is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours, with full police honors, on Tuesday, January 19th from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Saint Mary’s Church, 1 Power St in Norton.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 20th at 11:00 A.M. in Saint Mary’s Church. Burial, along with police and military honors will follow at the Norton Common Cemetery in Norton.
In lieu of flowers, Stephen’s family has requested that contributions in his memory be made to the Desfosses Children’s Educational Fund, care of Bluestone Bank, P.O. Box 369, Norton, MA 02766.
Those sending floral tributes are asked to have them sent directly on Tuesday to Saint Mary’s Church in Norton.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com
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