THOMASTON — Stephen K. Lilienthal passed away unexpectedly on August 8, 2018.  He was 56 years old. 

Steve was born April 10, 1962 in Bay Shore, Long Island, N.Y.  He spent all his early summers at his grandmothers, Adella (Gilmore) Kirkpatrick’s, house in Thomaston.  When he was six years old he and his family moved back to Thomaston permanently.

Steve attended Thomaston public schools, played Little League and was a Cub Scout.  He graduated from George’s Valley High School in 1980.  In high school he played trumpet in the band and was a star athlete, playing baseball, basketball and his greatest love, soccer, playing varsity from his sophomore year.  He coached Pee Wee soccer after graduation and after a car accident in 1982 left Steve paralyzed from the chest down he coached Men’s League Soccer.

For 36 years he lived life with courage, strength and a great sense of humor.  He loved muscle cars, Chevelles in particular, classic rock and was an avid Patriots fan and gun collector.  His pride in his father’s service during World Wat II knew no bounds.  He met the love of his life, Emily, in 1993, marrying her in 1999.  In recent years he struggled with many health issues and depression.

Steve is survived by his wife, Emily J Tenan Lilienthal, of Thomaston.  He is also survived by his sisters, Cheryl Lilienthal and her husband Curt Carleen of Saunderstown, Rhode Island; Tracey Thompson and her husband, Jay Thompson, of Kutztown, Pennsylvania; his brother, Arthur G Lilienthal II of Baldwinsville, New York; his nephews, Thomas, Arthur III and Michael Lilienthal and their families; his aunt, Alice Flagg and her husband Lewis of Winthrop and his mother-in-law, Ellen M Tenan, of Cherryfield.

Steve’s parents, Arthur G. and Beverly Kirkpatrick Lilienthal predeceased him, as did his sister-in-law Catherine Lilienthal, his father-in-law Neil W, Tenan, and his uncles, George and Frank Lilienthal.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, August 15, at the Village Cemetery, Thomaston.  The Reverend Wayne Sawyer will officiate.  A potluck reception will follow at the Thomaston Baptist Church on Main Street.

To share a story or memory with Steve’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society, PO Box 1294, Rockland ME 04841, www.humanesocietyknoxcounty.org.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.