Greenfield, MA – Steven E. Lively, 76, of Greenfield, Massachusetts, passed away on February 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with chronic kidney disease. He spent the last three years of his life on dialysis, facing each day with the same stubborn determination and strength that defined him.
Born August 19, 1949, to Edward and Alice (Hebard) Lively, Steve grew up in Colrain, Massachusetts, and attended Arms Academy with the Class of 1967. In 1968, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army stationed in Fort Dix, New Jersey. During his service, he completed a 6-month tour in Germany with the 516th Engineering Company, where he served as a bridge specialist. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and qualified as Sharpshooter with the M14 rifle and Expert with the M16 rifle. He was honorably discharged in 1971.
During April vacation of her senior year in 1971, Steve eloped with Helen Shulda, and together they had three children: Derek, Jill, and Jeremy. Though they divorced in 1980, they later reconnected and remained dear friends for the rest of his life – a testament to the deep bond they shared.
After leaving the Army, Steve worked as a mechanic for the Boston & Maine Railroad for several years before becoming Shop Foreman for the Town of Montague in 1990. He retired in 2014 after many years of dedicated service.
Steve had a lifelong love of machines and anything with an engine. He was passionate about model trains, building an entire working track and miniature town in his basement. He loved everything Harley-Davidson, spending several years rebuilding his 1980 Shovelhead – in his living room – and proudly riding both it and his Sportster whenever he could.
He shared an especially close bond with his younger brother and best friend, Russ, who predeceased him in 2019. They spoke nearly every night, swapping stories about work, trucks, motorcycles, and the many shenanigans they found themselves in over the years. Their friendship was truly one of a kind.
Steve loved children deeply, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nothing made his eyes sparkle more than their laughter. He treasured their visits and took great joy in watching them grow.
He carried a special fondness for the Midwest – especially Cheyenne, Wyoming – after spending time long-haul trucking in his early years. He would happily regale anyone who would listen with stories from his days on the road.
He cherished visits with his siblings and spent much of his time with his sister Elaine. A stubborn old cuss with a heart of gold, Steve was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He was a master storyteller – animated, expressive, and especially vivid when recounting tales of mischief with Russ.
He leaves behind his loving children: Derek and wife Celia of Ewa Beach, Hawaii; Jill and her husband Shamus of Buckland; and Jeremy and wife Jessica of Greenfield. He was a proud grandfather to Gabrielle, Jocelyn, Jacob, Gavin, Lilly, and Ruby, and a joyful great-grandfather to Kennedy, Lincoln, and Julian. He also leaves his sister Elaine and her husband Lee of Colrain, who was not only his brother-in-law but his high school best friend; his brother Tom and wife Cindy of Colrain; his brother Jim and wife Deb of Rowe; his sister-in-law Cindy, Russ’s widow; and many dear nieces and nephews.
Steve was predeceased by his father, Edward, in 2008; his mother, Alice, in 2023 – whom he dearly missed, especially their nightly phone calls after Jeopardy!; his brother and best friend, Russ, in 2019; his cherished granddaughter, Autumn, in 2018; and his niece, Laura, in 2015.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire team at Yankee Family Dialysis Center for their compassionate care over the past several years, especially his nurse MacKenzie, whom he adored and often referred to as his “other daughter.” Special thanks also to Sonny Walters and her daughter Laila for bringing light and comfort to his life in his final months.
Steve will be remembered for his laughter, his loyalty, his stories, and the deep love he carried for his family. He will be profoundly missed.
A graveside service will be held in the spring.
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