Stephen Albert Baxter, a lifelong resident of Andover and beloved son of Wilfred J. Baxter and Dr. Malvena (Cangiano) Baxter, both of Andover, died unexpectedly on Thursday, November 29, 2007. He was 26 years old. Mr. Baxter was born in Stoneham, Massachusetts, on July 14, 1981. He was a graduate of Andover High School, class of 2000 and was attending the University of Massachusetts Lowell for computer engineering. Mr. Baxter was employed as a martial arts instructor at Yang’s Martial Arts in Andover for the past six years and loved his craft as well as teaching his young students. In his spare time, Steve enjoyed training dogs, beer brewing, cooking, and spending time at home with his family. He was a gentle, loving, sensitive human being and a gifted writer. Besides his loving parents, Wilfred and Malvena, Steve will be sorely missed by his devoted sister; Joanna Baxter of Andover and her close friend Jeremy Lerner; maternal grandparents, Dr. Albert E. and Malvena E. (MacDonnell) Cangiano of Medford; aunts, Pamela A. and her husband Thomas Johnson of Hanover, Linda M. & Timothy Garvey of Medford, and Barbara S. and her husband Francis Voss, Jr. of Andover, & uncle, Dr. Albert E. and his wife MaryJane Cangiano of Medford and many cousins. He was also the cherished grandson of the late Wilfred J. and Erlian G. Baxter and nephew of the late Maryjane Cangiano.
His funeral mass was celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover, Monday, December 3, 2007, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Calling hours were held on Sunday, December 2, 2007, from 2 to 6 PM in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover. Burial was in West Parish Garden Cemetery, Andover. Donations in Steve’s memory may be made to the Boston Children’s Hospital Oncology Department Trust, 1 Autumn Street, Boston, MA 02215. For additional information, please visit www.burkemagliozzi.com.