Haverhill — Steven N. Phaneuf, 53, of Haverhill, formerly of Merrimac, succumbed to his illness on May 10, 2012, at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Saugus, MA on September 18, 1958, he was the son of Mrs. Shirley J. (MacLaughlin) Phaneuf and the late Norman X. Phaneuf. Steven was a graduate of the Essex County Agricultural and Technical High School in Danvers, Class of 1977, where he was committed to the pursuit of follow his dreams in Horticulture.

He was employed by the Ford Bacon and Davis, Gas Company in Connecticut.

Steven found comfort and enjoyment in nature especially; eagles, horses, fishing, and often times could be found taking long walks through the outdoors, or going to the beach. He enjoyed watching old movies, and was very involved in local AA chapter meetings, and was always there to help anyone whenever possible.

When Steven wasn’t undergoing treatments or resting from his extensive medical procedures, “Grumpy Gump” as he was affectionately known and called by his loving five year old grand-daughter, Shae-Lynn, enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his loving friends and family, especially his grand-daughter, who will miss him immensely. They will never forget the fight he gave in life to survive each new day, while also striving to achieve sobriety. Steven’s presence will be sadly missed by a community who grew to know and love him but his ever present memory will never be forgotten.

Steven is survived by his Mother, Mrs. Shirley J. (MacLaughlin) Phaneuf of Salisbury, two daughters, Lyndsey Phaneuf and her significant other Keith Shane MacLeod of NH, and Christa L. Phaneuf of North Hampton, NH, two brothers, David and Scott Phaneuf, one sister, Linda Nestor, a grand-daughter, Shae-Lynn Phaneuf, and several nieces and nephews

ARRANGEMENTS: Friends and family are respectfully invited to attend a period of visitation on Monday, May 21, from 6 until 8 PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. (Rte 125) Haverhill. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steven’s name to the “Steven N. Phaneuf Memorial Fund” c/o Lyndsey Phaneuf, TD Bank, 28 Portsmouth Avenue, Stratham, NH, 03885. www.comeaufuneral.com