Stephen Setkewich

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stephen "Russ" Setkewich, who departed this life on December 12, 2024, at the grand old age of 99. Stephen was born on November 21, 1925, and throughout his nearly century-long life, he touched the lives of many with his remarkable talents and devotion to family and community.

Having started a family in Chicopee Falls, Stephen and his late wife Avis moved to Belchertown in 1966, becoming owners of a 75 acre farm near the site of the cold spring that gave Belchertown its original name. The old farm required a lot of repairs and updates and in the process Stephen became a gentleman farmer, with horses and many of the other usual barnyard animals.  By 1979, Stephen and Avis were spending some of their time in Florida, and in 1987 began to reside in Bradenton during the winter and Belchertown during the summer months. For the past 6 months, Stephen enjoyed his residence at Christopher Heights in Belchertown.

Stephen spent 33 years of his career at Uniroyal in Chicopee, where he rose from bottom level maintenance worker to the highest maintenance position attainable at Uniroyal - plant foreman. When the plant closed, he was forced to "retire" at age 55 (1980). His great passion for aviation inspired him to then attend East Coast Aero Tech School in Lexington, where he graduated in 1982 with a license in aircraft mechanics and employment with Delta Air at Bradley. Also, he maintained his own small plane, holding his pilot’s license with great pride and flying all up and down the east coast.

Beyond his professional life, Stephen was a family man and had many interests and talents. Baseball, softball, and bowling were high on his list of sports interests. Dancing was another passion, both ballroom and square dancing, activities he enjoyed for their grace and rhythm. An avid hunter, fisherman, hiker, and camper, he appreciated the tranquility and challenge of nature. His love for the outdoors led him to build a camper trailer, which enabled many family adventures all over New England and New York. There were many days spent on the water, too, and canoe trips on the Connecticut Lakes, upper Connecticut River, the Raquette River in upstate New York, the Allagash, and other remote lakes in Maine accessible only by float plane. In all of these activities, he included and encouraged his children to participate. He was always there with us and for us, giving us the most wonderful childhood anyone could hope for. For us, those years were gold!

Having once built homes for a living, Stephen's carpentry skills were admired by many; he built two of his own homes and tutored his sons in the building of theirs. Known as an ace auto mechanic, he could tell what was wrong with an engine just by listening to it. With the hands and heart of a true craftsman, he could fix almost anything using almost anything - Yankee ingenuity at its best.

Stephen is survived by his children: Rodney (Joan) Setkewich of Belchertown, Stephen (Susan) Setkewich of Somers, CT, and Darlene "Dolly" Setkewich of Belchertown. His legacy continues through his five beloved grandchildren Katie Boyko, Mandy Hoit, Rhonda, Crystal, and Evan Setkewich; and his five great-grandchildren Sophia, Olivia, Thylo, Adriana, and Lucy.  Stephen was predeceased by his wife, Avis C. (Flagg) in 2004, daughter Sharon M. Setkewich in 1981, and two sisters, Helen Sheehey in 1988, and Mary Szadek in 2020.

In remembrance of a life so richly lived, visitation will be held on Saturday, December 21, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, followed by a service at 12:30 p.m. In the spring of 2025, Stephen will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Avis in Quabbin Park Cemetery. Knowing how greatly we will miss his presence in our lives, we proudly honor his enduring spirit and legacy, and we vow to keep his cherished memory alive in our hearts day by day. 

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.