Stephen Eldridge

HERMON - Stephen Gary Eldridge, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 2, 2025 at the Maine Veterans' Home in Bangor, Maine after a short illness. He was born February 18, 1947 in Bangor, Maine, son of Albert and Helena (Kelsey) Eldridge.

Stephen was drafted into the army right out of high school. He served in Vietnam from 1966-1968. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service medal, Army Good Conduct medal, Vietnam Campaign medal and a Purple Heart medal. He was released from active duty and returned to Bangor, Maine where he married the love of his life and started college.

Stephen received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from University of Maine and started his 30+ year career as a Civil Engineer at Kleinschmidt Associates in Pittsfield, Maine. He also indulged his hobby of collecting sports cards and opened a card shop for a short time in the 1990's.

Stephen married the love of his life, Connie, affectionately known as "Conky" on June 14, 1969, and moved to Hermon where they had their three children and raised them. Stephen was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and gun collector. He loved to buy and refurbish guns back to new. Stephen's life was filled with fun, laughter and especially family.

Stephen is survived by his three children, Timothy Eldridge and his wife, Wendy, Heather "DeeDee" Runnells and her husband, Nathan and Misty Wyman; 7 grandchildren, Brandon, CaSandra, Shelby, Ellie, Kyle, Kaitlynn and Kassidy; 9 great-grandchildren, Owen, Emmy, Jackson, Maverick, Everly, Paisley, Conan, Nailla and Sophia. He was predeceased by his wife, Constance Eldridge in 2016 and his brother, Wayne Eldridge. Stephen's family offers special thanks to Beacon Hospice and Maine Veterans' Home for the outstanding care they provided in the brief time Stephen was in their care and making his final days comfortable and receiving exceptional support and care by the staff.

A graveside service will be held at a date and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephen's memory can be made to Maine Veterans' Home, 44 Hogan Rd. Bangor, Maine 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.