Steven Ward Besaw

Steven Ward Besaw, age 80, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Care One in Randolph, Massachusetts. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 22, 1944, he was the only son of Willard E. and Marjorie E. (Street) Besaw. Steve was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts where he attended local public schools. He graduated from Walpole High School with the class of 1962 and continued his education at Boston State College, where he studied English Literature. 

After he received his bachelor's degree, Steve accepted a teaching position at King Philip High School in Wrentham, Massachusetts. Steve loved to read, having a particular fondness for the works of Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare. He shared this love with his students, building his curricula to include "The Tale of Two Cities" and "Romeo and Juliet", hoping to inspire a love of the classics with each new generation he taught. He remained a staple at King Philip, teaching English until his retirement in the late 2000's.

While teaching at King Philip, Steve made many wonderful friends. He remained in contact with his colleagues well after retirement, writing letters and emails, calling each other, and getting together once a month for lunch with those who lived locally. It was also at King Philip that he met the love of his life, June Coutu, a social studies teacher. The pair began dating in 1972 and enjoyed every moment they had to spend together. In 2014, he moved to Sharon, Massachusetts, where they adopted a corgi named Laddie.

In his early years Steve enjoyed traveling. His fear of planes could not keep him from exploring Europe, visiting Switzerland, Germany, England, Greece, Yugoslavia, and more. In his later years, trips were closer to home, often taking day trips in the car to sight see, taking in the beautiful landscapes and scenery in the area. To relax, Steve loved to sit down with Daniel Silva's latest spy novel or watch some TV. He loved dramas, The View, Downtown Abbey, and Masterpiece Theatre. Best though, was doing any of this with his dog and his lady by his side.

Beloved husband of June R. Coutu

Devoted son of the late Willard E. and Marjorie E. (Street) Besaw

Cherished nephew of Marion Ellis of Arkansas, the late Vyda M. Walton, and the late Dora Byrnes. 

Also survived by his cousin, Alison Marinaro of Plainville, his Goddaughter, Meredith Lenhart of Canton, and his loving dog, Laddie. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Steven's Visitation on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 20th, 2025, at the United Church of Walpole, 30 Common Street, Walpole, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Rural Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Steven's name may be made to the Tufts Vet Hospital at 525 South Street, Walpole, MA 02081 or to the Home for Little Wanderers at 72 E. Dedham Street, Boston, MA 02118 or by visiting https://www.thehome.org/ and selecting 'Donate'