MIDDLEBURY — Stephen Earl Ketcham, 75, of Middlebury, passed away at home on Nov. 8, 2022, after a six-month illness.
Steve was born July 12, 1947, and grew up on the family farm in Whiting until age 14, when his family moved to Brandon. Steve graduated from Otter Valley Union High School and attended Bucknell University and Trinity College. He felt a strong connection to the Vermont landscape, and spent many days skiing or hiking in the Green Mountains. In later years, he enjoyed views of Lake Champlain from South Hero.
For more than 35 years, Steve worked as a lineman and installer for the telephone company. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. After retiring from the phone company, he served as a physical education teacher at St. Mary’s School. He loved being part of the St. Mary’s community.
Steve was devoted to his community and family. He was an active member of service organizations including the Lion’s Club, Middlebury Amateur Hockey Association, and the Knights of Columbus. Many knew him as “Coach Ketcham,” as he coached generations of Middlebury-area youth. He was particularly grateful to be inducted into the Vermont Hall of Fame by U.S. Lacrosse Hall for his dedication to youth lacrosse. He was a loving and faithful son to both his parents, especially as they aged and required care, and he was his grandchildren’s number one fan.
Steve loved tropical vacations, golf, jigsaw puzzles, and the Red Sox, and we will miss him holding court at the dinner table with his animated conversation.
Steve is survived by his true love and wife of 34 years, Christine Mobley Ketcham; his son Peter Antos-Ketcham and daughter-in-law Katie; son Seth Mobley and daughter-in-law Katie; four grandchildren, Bailey and Carter Antos-Ketcham and Oliver and Sylvia Mobley; his sister Laurie Rudloff and brother-in-law Robert; three nephews; and many cousins and friends.
He was predeceased in death by his parents, Gordon and Viola (Mary) Ketcham; his first wife Cynthia Ketcham; and daughter Sarah Anne Ketcham.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Village Health, including Laura Wilkinson and Wendy Leeds, as well as Addison County Home Health and Hospice, especially Jenn Quinn.
There will be a Catholic Mass to celebrate Steve’s life on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Middlebury.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s memory to Middlebury Youth Lacrosse, c/o Jamie Northrup, 203 Hamilton Rd, Weybridge, VT 05753.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.◊
