Salem - Stephen Douglas Whittier, beloved of family and friends, has died at the age of 71.
Born and raised in Melrose to parents Ernest and Faith (Ballantyne) Whittier, he studied at Northeastern and then Salem State College, where he met his wife, and love of his life, Ann (Selmer-Larsen).
With hard work and confidence, he taught himself carpentry, and worked his career at that trade in homes from Boston's Beacon Hill to Chestnut Street in Salem and beyond. Hundreds of homes in Salem have been repaired and beautified by his work.
His crowning achievement in work was the home he built for his family on River Street in Salem in 1986.
Stephen, like his father, was an avid and talented golfer and won a citywide tournament in 1991.
He loved to sail and for years sailed the first Barnegat ever made out of Salem harbor.
He leaves a devoted wife, Ann; daughter, Erika Spanger; son, Justin Whittier; grandchildren, Ursula, Georgia and John-Iver Siegfried; sisters, Allyson Whittier and Heather Romano; brother, Kennenth Whittier; brother-in-law, Peter Larsen; and son-in-law, John Siegfried.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the charity of your choice.
Friends are invited to a gathering at Murphy Funeral Home in Salem on Thursday, March 16, from 5 to 7 p.m.