Stephen Gaucher Obituary

Stephen Gaucher A Celebration of Life
Stephen A. Gaucher Sr.
December 10, 1940 – June 11, 2025
UPTON
Stephen A. Gaucher Sr. of Upton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of Tuesday, June 11, 2025, after a short illness. He was 84 years old. Born in Marlborough, Massachusetts, on December 10, 1940, Steve was the son of Arthur Gaucher and Beatrice (Prasol) Gaucher.
Steve was a standout athlete at Marlborough High School and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. In 1958, he led the state in scoring with 150 points-scoring 24 touchdowns, 3 PATs, and rushing for 1,333 yards in just eight games, averaging an astounding 10.3 yards per carry. His accolades included Most Valuable Player, Athlete of the Year, Boston All-Star, and Midland League All-Star, and his record remains unbroken to this day. He also lettered in hockey and track.
Steve dedicated many years to education and athletics as a teacher in the Northborough School System and as an assistant football and track coach at Algonquin Regional High School. Under his leadership, the undefeated 1973 Algonquin football team earned a place in the school's Hall of Fame. He also taught Health Education at Worcester State University.
In 1981, Steve married Ellen Marszalek, and together they created a loving blended family. In addition to Ellen, Steve is survived by his children: Carolyn Benson; Stephen Gaucher Jr. and his wife Dara; Kathy Gaucher; Erica Cimino and her husband Dennis; and Christopher Gaucher.; by his sister, Sandra Smith of Fitchburg, wife of the late Robert Smith. He was also a devoted stepfather to Peter Marszalek Jr. and his wife Gina; Kevin Marszalek and his wife Janet; Robin Logan and her husband Justin; and Paul Marszalek and his wife Stephanie. He leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
In 1981, Steve became Senior Development Officer for Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan Health System. There, he raised significant funds to support children's healthcare. He worked closely with the university's athletic department. He joined the mentoring program and mentored football, basketball and hockey players. Steve helped organize the "Millie Schembechler Memorial Golf Tournament" with legendary coach Bo Schembechler, raising funds for adrenal cancer research. His efforts were supported by Michigan greats such as Jim Harbaugh, Tom Brady, and Bob and Brian Griese.
After retiring from Michigan in 1998, Steve worked as a consultant for the Children's Health Initiative at Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa and South Dakota. When the program ended in 1999, he pursued his passion for wine by founding Wine Adventures, an importing and distribution company that grew to cover eight states. His work took him throughout Europe, where he built lasting friendships with winemakers. He retired on December 31, 2024, after more than 25 years in the industry.
Steve led a rich and vibrant life. He enjoyed golf, birding, photography, biking, international travel, and following both University of Michigan and Boston sports teams. He was a master gardener, known for his colorful and meticulously maintained properties. Steve also was a gifted self-taught chef. Together with Ellen, Steve created many remarkable culinary gatherings for family and friends.
In 2013, Steve moved to Sandwich, Massachusetts, where he spent a decade enjoying the natural beauty of Cape Cod and reflecting on a life well lived. Most recently, Steve and Ellen made Upton their home.
Calling hours will be held 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, June 15 at Hays Funeral home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 A.M on Monday, June 16 at Saint Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson St, Marlborough.
Memorial contributions in memory of Stephen A. Gaucher, Sr. may be directed to Mott Childrens Hospital https://www.michiganmedicine.org/giving/areas-support/giving-cs-mott-childrens-hospital
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen, please visit our floral store.