Stephen James Rorick of Canton, CT passed away on April 4th, 2021 at the age of 64 after a fearless, year-long battle against a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Loraine, his loving wife of 33 years, and their sons, Thomas and Chris, were fortunate enough to be with Stephen for one more Easter when he passed.

As the sixth of eight children, Stephen developed a quick wit and rock steady, positive attitude. He was born on August 17th, 1956 to Joseph and Dorothy (Rooney) Rorick in Poughkeepsie, NY. He spent his childhood in Stamford, CT and attended Stamford Catholic High School. He was part of the Roxbury and the Stamford YMCA swim teams, caddied at the Rockrimmon Country Club and worked on many projects at his neighbor’s homes.

Stephen graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in Geology and pursued a career in microscopy, environmental testing and waste management. Most recently, he was employed as the Senior Account Executive at NLR, Inc., servicing accounts nationally and training clients about EPA and state-specific regulations for universal waste management and recycling. He previously worked for PSC, EAS, Adirondack Environmental Services, Hartford Steam Boiler and began his career with American Cyanamid Company.

He had a lifelong love for nature and the outdoors. Stephen’s first fishing trip off the shores of Sands Point, NY left quite an impression as he always found his peace on the water. He loved fly fishing on the Farmington, Housatonic or Mianus Rivers or casting a line at his favorite spots in Rhode Island, Florida and Maine. As an avid outdoorsman, he took pleasure in hiking, boating, kayaking, camping, and gardening.
His number one priority was all the members of his family, along with his neighbors. Whether it was helping with his children’s activities, coaching numerous sports, volunteering at local events or building a stage set for a play, he was there. All 18 of his nieces and nephews, 27 grand-nieces and nephews plus one great-grand niece can share countless memories of him, such as his unmatched dance moves at family weddings and his boundless sense of humor and optimism.

He always had a soft spot for the animals in his life. He would “retrieve” the family’s first golden retriever Hank from places all around town and loved his “granddog” Sadie, who went to work with him and his son every day.

He was predeceased by his brother Thomas P. Rorick, his nephew Brian Rorick, sister-in-law Barbara Rorick, and parents Joseph and Dorothy. He is survived by his four brothers, Joseph, John (Gerri), Paul (Cindy) and Richard and sisters Diane (Joseph Ceriello) and Carolyn (Peter Kyle); Kathy Rorick and Dave McNichol; and in-laws Marion Grenci, Christine (Michael Simonetti), Peter Grenci (Helene) and Grace (William Kosovitch).

A walk-through visitation will be held on Sunday, April 11th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike in Canton. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 PM on Monday, April 12th at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Road in West Simsbury. Burial will follow in Southwest Cemetery in Collinsville. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which he supported through the Snowmelt Golf Tournament for the past 20 years, or the charity of your choice. Please visit Stephen’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.