Stephen E. “Steve” Ahlquist, 67, of Shrewsbury passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday November 21, 2023 at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester after a brief illness.

He leaves his two sons, Jason and Justin Ahlquist both of Upton, and his wife Colleen  (Day) Ahlquist of Upton. He also leaves his sister Gail and her husband David Rajala of Boylston; his three nieces, Jennifer Rajala of Boylston, Caitlin Rajala of Lancaster, Kristin Rajala Jarret and her husband, Adam of West Boylston; and one great-nephew, Stanley Rajala Jarret.

Stephen was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on February 27 th 1956 to Harold E. Ahlquist, Jr. and Shirley (Friel) Ahlquist. He lived in Holden for most of his young life, and graduated from Wachusett High School. Stephen earned a degree in Business Management from Bentley College, and completed specialized training in computer science. He worked in computer operations for several retail companies over the course of his career.

Steve was an accomplished skier and golfer, and enjoyed fishing with his father as a young boy, and especially later in life with his two sons. He took joy from playing the guitar and singing, and had a rich appreciation for music of all kinds. Steve loved to laugh and to bring laughter to others. He was blessed with good friends in his life and deeply loved his family. The family would like to express their gratitude to the kind and dedicated staff at the Critical Care Unit at UMass Memorial Hospital for their superb care of Stephen during his time there.

Relatives and Friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours at the Chiampa Funeral Home, 5 Church Road, on the Common, Shrewsbury Center, on Monday, November 27, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. His funeral mass will be celebrated at St Mary of the Hills Church, 630 Cross Street, Boylston on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Interment Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.