Stephen Ralph DeNorscia

Stephen R. DeNorscia ,57, passed away unexpectedly on July 4th in Boulder, Colorado. Stephen was born in Waltham, MA and grew up in Southborough, MA. He graduated from Algonquin Regional High School in 1983 and continued his education at Brandeis University where he graduated in 1987. Heeding the call of his wanderlust, Stephen moved out West. Over the years he lived in Boulder, CO, San Jose, CA, Sedona, AZ and ultimately returned to his original destination, Boulder. Stephen had many hobbies and several passions. As a lifetime reader, Stephen's eclectic collection ran from Treasure Island to all of the works of JRR Tolkien, to Jack Kerouac & Abbie Hoffman and everything in between. His love of reading was matched only by his love of music; In particular, The Grateful Dead. Stephen attended more than 100 live performances of his favorite band and was immensely proud of the lifelong friendships he shared as part of the Grateful Dead community in Boulder and beyond. 

In 1996 Stephen's newest passion would unveil itself quite unexpectedly. Thinking he was attending a bike festival, Stephen or Stevolution, as he became known, quickly realized that "Burning Man" was something altogether different. Over the years he attended many of these festivals in the Black Rock Desert creating incredibly strong bonds and life changing relationships with friends and strangers alike. Stephen officiated several weddings both at the Burning Man Festival as well as in Boulder. Stephen lent a hand and open heart to everyone he came across. Hiking, bicycling, travel, D&D, darts (though he was too humble to talk about it, he played on championship teams in MA, AZ & CO) & costumes for every occasion were all pieces of the sum that made up Stephen. Stephen brought a light & warmth to everyone he met. When you spoke to Stephen, you felt seen, heard and safe.

Professionally, Stephen had a long career in graphic design, event promotion and nonprofit management. Most recently he served as the President of the Board of Directors at Thistle Property Management in Boulder. He has served as Event Manager and Executive Director for Boulder’s Open Studios, Marketing Manager for Montalvo Art Center in Saratoga, CA, and Communications & Program Director for the Ringing Rocks Foundation in Sedona, AZ. He also owned his own graphic design studio in Boulder, Multimedia Arts and engaged in freelance contracts through Stephen DeNorscia Designs.  Much of his design and artwork can be seen in and around Boulder with the many murals he had painted.  

Along with his parents Carole and Ralph DeNorscia, originally from Southborough, MA, currently residing in Marlborough, MA, he is survived by his 3 brothers and spouses, Michael & Robyn DeNorscia of Chesterfield, MO, Kevin & Justine DeNorscia of Holden, MA, Kenneth & Jane DeNorscia of Holden, MA, his sister Tracey DeNorscia of Southborough and his good friend Linda Stowell of Denver, CO, As well as, many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and an uncle.

Visiting hours will be held at the Morris-Johnston Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Main Street, Southborough, MA 01772 on July 29, 2022, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 10:30am at the Southborough Rural Cemetery, 35 Cordaville Rd., Southborough, MA. A celebration of life is planned for the Boulder, CO area later this month.

In Franklin's tower the four winds sleep
Like four lean hounds the lighthouse keep
Wildflower seed on the sand and wind
May the four winds blow you home again

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