PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Steven Michael Phelps, 59, of Pittsfield, Mass., died on Saturday, December 1, 2018.



Steve was born in Pittsfield on August 2, 1959, to parents Leon L. Phelps and Dorothy DeSantis Phelps, joining his older brother, David E. Phelps. He married Deborah Ann Errichetto on March 8, 1980. Debby and Steve welcomed a baby girl, Carrie Ann Phelps, in March of 1981, and later a baby boy, Steven Michael Phelps Jr., in September of 1986.



Steve graduated from Pittsfield High School and began a position at the Pittsfield State Forest. He later attended Berkshire Community College and began a career as a copier service manager, continuing to obtain countless certifications in his field.



From an early age, he was a mischievous boy who enjoyed having a good time. Steve was often known by the nickname "O.E." by his friends as in "Occupational Education." His friends all received nicknames as well. Some were endearing, some … were not.



When he wasn't driving his older brother David, parents, friends and teachers crazy, Steve had an incredible soft side and was known to do anything for someone in need. He had an amazing love for all animals, and was a favorite throughout the years among his many granddogs, grandcats, other grandpets, and of course his favorite little puppy girl, Zoe, who was by his side always.



Steve enjoyed nature and the outdoors. Camping, off-roading, bon fires, and boogie boarding with the family at Salisbury beach often filled his summers. He enjoyed old films and television shows, which became even better company while at home in the past few months.



More than anything, Steve had a love for rock and roll. The family would often listen to friends play in local bands. Attending concerts with friends and family was his absolute favorite thing to do. He loved to share music with others. Countless memories were made sharing his love of music. Rock and roll could be heard blasting from the house at most hours of the day, most days of the week. Some of his favorite artists were Alice Cooper and Kiss, and he attended every show he could. This past year, he had the opportunity to meet the great Alice Cooper himself, and his amazing band, in person a few times, as well as one of his other favorite artists/guitarists, Ryan Roxie, who serenaded him with an awesome rendition of Cheap Trick's "California Man: on the fly. He never wanted to be the guy who asked for anything in life, but as he explained to Ryan Roxie, he realized as he got older that time is short, and you should go for what you want in life. His new self-appointed nickname became "The Picky Prick."



Steve developed diabetes, and shortly thereafter fought colon cancer in 2013. After years of remission, he was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in April of 2017. Steve never wanted anyone to know he was sick, or to feel bad for him in any way. He didn't tell very many people about his struggle with health.



Steve endured a long series of chemotherapy and radiation over the next 19 months. In November, the cancer was no longer responding to treatment. Over the next few weeks, friends and family would stop by to visit and share stories and laughs. They brought him and the family great joy to relive all the crazy good times. There was a rapid decline in his condition and at 10:07 p.m. on December 1, 2018, after a long, hard battle, Steve passed away at home with his wife, daughter, and beloved dog, Zoe, by his side.



In addition to his immediate family, Steve will be missed by his mother-in-law, Madeline Errichetto; sisters-in-law, Madeline Phelps and Jody Errichetto; brother-in-law, Rocco Errichetto; and his nieces and nephews who thought he was the funniest guy in the world, including Patrice (Marrero), David and Michael Phelps, Rocco and Carly Errichetto, and April Cooke. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Lori Cooke, who was more like a sister. Lori brought so much joy to Steve's life, and over the past weeks, she provided much-needed comfort to Steve, Debby, Carrie and young Steven.



Steve was predeceased by his father-in-law, Rocco Errichetto Sr.



No matter how much pain Steve was in, he never once complained, right up until the end. He was a strong, caring man who loved his family and friends, and will be missed more than words can ever express. The world has lost a wonderful soul, and heaven has gained a rock and roll angel.



Funeral notice: Per his wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to HospiceCare in the Berkshires, in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.