by The Publisher
1/5/2019

Steven J. Gentili, 54, of Rome, Maine, died Monday, December 31, 2018.

Steve was born on November 11, 1964, and grew up in Holliston, MA and then later in Upton, MA. He graduated from Keefe Technical High School in Framingham, MA in 1982. Steve lived in Rome for nearly 30 years where he raised his two children, Alicia, 31, of Seattle, WA, and Joshua, 28, of Steamboat Springs, CO.

Steve was an accomplished hunter and fisherman. In 2007, he built his camp in Mercer and it became his sanctuary. Steve loved being at the camp and spent more and more time there over the years. It allowed him to live life on his own terms, outdoors and often alone.

Steve took great pride in a lifetime of self-reliance. He asked little, or nothing, of those around him but always made himself available to help his friends and family. When thanked for his assistance, Steve would reply in his booming voice and thick Maine accent, “No problem. Anytime!" And when offered something in return, he would typically decline with an “I’m all good.”

Steve was a long-time employee of Hammond Lumber and worked at the Belgrade location for almost 20 years. He was also a Maine Bear Hunting Guide for many years. During the past four years, he was employed by Huhtamaki in Waterville. But Steve’s real joy, even in work, was being outdoors, alone or with those he loved, be it hunting, fishing, hauling Christmas Trees, or turning yard stumps into decorative mushrooms with his chainsaw.

Steve also took great pride in the kitchen where he was skilled at making his own wines, jellies, and pickles. And while his lasagna was often requested, his homemade peanut brittle was legendary among family.

In celebration of turning 50, Steve was given the trip of a lifetime to fish the waters off Admiralty Island in Alaska with his closest of friends in June of 2015. Among the hundreds of pounds of fish shipped back to Maine was Steve’s 22-pound King Salmon pictured here.

Steve always greeted folks with a big grin and a crushing handshake. He was a strong man thanks to a lifetime of working outdoors who was respected for being humble and will be remembered for having great character and an understanding of true friendship.

In addition to his children, Steve is survived by his wife Angela Swift Gentili, along with his three brothers and their wives, David and Sally Gentili of Panama City, FL, Jay and Cheri Gentili of Plymouth, MA, and Keith and Carrie Gentili of New Boston, NH, as well as his parents and their spouses Richard and Alice Gentili of Upton, MA, and Joan and Chuck Marchant of Panama City, FL. He was predeceased by his great uncle Louis Gentili, formerly of Hopkinton, MA. Steve will also be missed greatly by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.