Brewster, Massachusetts – Frank Steponaitis, a cherished history teacher and dedicated environmental advocate, passed away on November 18, 2024, at the age of 84.
He was a beloved figure in the Brewster community, known for his 41 years of service in Catholic education and his lifelong commitment to preserving the natural world.
Steponaitis was born on February 15, 1940, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Lithuanian immigrant parents.
He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in biology in 1962 and went on to teach biology and history in the Boston Public School system.
His career took a pivotal turn in the early 1970s when he transitioned to environmental conservation work with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, where he spent over 30 years as a field biologist.
In 1985, Steponaitis and his wife, Ellen, moved to Brewster, where he became an active member of the Brewster Conservation Commission, working tirelessly to protect the town’s unique environment.
Steponaitis was deeply involved in community affairs, from organizing local events to advocating for policies that balanced development with environmental stewardship.
He is survived by his wife Ellen, their three children, Mark, Susan, and Daniel, and several grandchildren who adored him.
Friends and colleagues have expressed their sorrow online, with Thomas Romano writing, “Mr. Step, I just heard of your passing and just wanted you to know that you are one of the main reasons I became a history teacher.”
The Brewster Conservation Commission has announced plans to dedicate a trail in his honor at Nickerson State Park, a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to conservation.
A memorial service will be held on November 25, 2024, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, where his family, friends, and former colleagues will gather to celebrate his life.