Steven Downing Alspaugh

June 9th, 1949 - August 20th, 2024

Steven Downing Alspaugh, formerly of Waterbury, died Tuesday, August 20, after a brief battle with heart disease. Steve was 75.

He was born June 9, 1949, in San Diego, CA, son of the late Harry and Mary Alice (Murphy) Alspaugh. He attended local elementary schools, graduating from Crawford High School in 1967 and later from Grossmont College in San Diego.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after high school graduation, and was deployed to Viet Nam. Upon discharge in 1971, he studied two years at Grossmont College where he earned a degree in criminal justice. He then re-enlisted in the Marines, and was selected to enter the Corps’s Military Police.

Steve attended Marine Embassy School in Washington, D.C., achieving the rank of sergeant, and served at the U.S. embassies in Saigon, Viet Nam, and in Burma (Myanmar). Prior to his embassy duty, he served aboard the U.S. S. Ticonderoga with the U.S. Navy in the Mediterranean Sea, and participated in the evacuation of the island of Cyprus in 1974 during the Greek military coup that year. He was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1978, joining the Marine Corps Reserve in Connecticut.

Steve was extremely proud of his military service and celebrated the Marine Corps Birthday every year on Nov. 10. He was also an accomplished golfer, having learned the sport from his father, a PGA professional.

After moving to Connecticut, he worked for Powell Paint in Waterbury, and as a painter for the City of Waterbury Department of Education.

Later he joined the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections, retiring in 2004 after more than 20 years of service. He had been assigned to correctional facilities in Bridgeport, Newtown, and finally in Cheshire as his last post before retirement.

He moved to Florida in June of 2004, settling in the city of North Port on Florida’s west coast. Steve was a lifetime member of VFW Post 8203 in North Port.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Mary A. (Kane) Alspaugh; his son and daughter-in-law Matthew D. and Maryann (Menzies) Alspaugh of Texas; his daughter Stephanie Cuiffo and husband Anthony Cuiffo of Southington, CT; a granddaughter, Winnie M. Alspaugh of Texas; two grandsons, Anthony and Vinny Cuiffo of Southington; his stepson, Michael A. Skowronski of Windsor, CT; his brother- and sister-in-law Joe and Cynthia Kane of Rhode Island and Venice; several nieces and nephews; his faithful dog Mr. JIggs; and his feline pal affectionately known as Benny the Paw. He was predeceased by his sister Susan Alspaugh Bottorff.

A military funeral service is planned for 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL.

Those who wish may donate in his memory to the Humane Society of Sarasota County (https://www.hssc.org) or Cat Depot of Sarasota (https://catdepot.org).

We Entrusted Steven Alspaugh's Care To

Farley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Venice

Since the 1880s, Farley Funeral Homes and Crematory in Venice has stood as a sanctuary of solace, reflecting over a century of tradition in guiding families through the poignant process of farewell and celebration. Our story, deeply woven into the community's fabric, began in 1883 when the Farley family opened their first funeral home. With a heartfelt mission to help families navigate the grief of loss and to celebrate the legacies of their loved ones, we have built a legacy of compassionate care that has endured across the ages.

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Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Steven’s life with a heartfelt message.

Catherine Beausoleil

Steve, I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing you, but I knew your wonderful wife Mary. She must have given you a fabulously loving life! And She will miss you dearly. You’ll comfort her heart from Heaven, I’m sure. Peace be with you both! Love, Cathy Beausoleil

Published August 31st, 2024

Peter Oxboel

I am sad to hear of Steve's passing. I worked with him for years at the CT Department of Correction. He was a great guy and a great officer.

Published August 26th, 2024

Rick Muccino

Worked with Steve for many years in the DOC. Played hookie a few times to go golfing. Was one of the good ones. Rest easy brother. Capt.(Ret) Rick Muccino

Published August 25th, 2024

Lee Stein

Steve was a wonderful person. Knowing him made me a better person. I will always have great memories of our times together with Mary.

Published August 24th, 2024

Dennis Morgan

Rest in Peace Steve.

Published August 26th, 2024

Mary Ellen Houston

Dear Mary, I was so sorry ,to read of Steve's passing. I know you had a wonderful life with him ❤. I remember all the times we had doing for our precious children. I miss those days. Know that you and your family are in my prayers 🙏 .

Published August 26th, 2024

Sharon and Wayne

Mary, Wayne and I have such wonderful memories of the times the 4 of us spent together. Our first meeting was in Florida nearly 20 years ago. We shared many laughs, with Steve that was a Given. His smile and genuine sense of Humor we will cherish. Hoping that you are comforted by memories, the caring of others, and the healing power of time. With our friendship, love and prayers, Always, Sharon and Wayne

Published August 25th, 2024

Jennifer Dirrigl

So sorry for your loss, Mary. But I hope all your wonderful memories together will help to sustain you and your family through this sad time. Jennifer Dirrigl

Published August 24th, 2024

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