Stephen “Steve” Lynch, 66, of Madison, passed away on Dec. 13, 2023, at Yale New Haven Hospital with his family by his side. He was born Feb. 8, 1957, at Bridgeport Hospital to John and Theresa (McKenna) Lynch.

Steve is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Cathy (Beccia) Lynch and their children, Makenzie Walsh (Luke) of New York City, Tess Lynch (fiancé, Max Cook) of Chicago, and Jack Lynch (Holly Luncan) of Chicago; along with two brothers, John Lynch (Kathy) of New Jersey and Peter Lynch of Guilford; two nieces, Kaitlin Lynch (Michael Yurchuk) of New Jersey and Anna Beccia of Madison; and a nephew, Connor Lynch of Brooklyn. Steve is also survived by his mother-in-law, Johanna Cashman, and her husband, Ira Grudberg of Madison, and a brother-in-law, Lucien Beccia (Ann) of Madison. Stephen is preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Eliza Rose Beccia (2022).

As a long-standing Connecticut resident, Steve was known by many as a fantastic restaurateur. His latest career was in commercial real estate, but his passion and love was always in the restaurant business, having owned and managed successful establishments in his family’s hometown of Madison.

Hosting remained a part of Steve’s life even after he left the restaurant business. Steve, Cathy, and their kids loved to host family and friends for any and every occasion, but his favorite was Christmas Eve. Steve was always cooking up a delicious meal paired with festive playlists. Usually found in front of the oven but if not, you could find him making a heart-felt toast or outside holding court around the firepit, cigar in hand.

Steve spent many years traveling with his family in search of the best beaches the Caribbean has to offer. During the summer months, he could often be found at West Wharf Beach in Madison or on the sandy shores of Long Beach Island, a Lynch family tradition stemming back more than 75 years.

Above all else, Steve loved to be with his family. Nothing made Steve happier than spending time with Cathy, Makenzie, Tess, and Jack. As the family continued to grow, so did the traditions and memories the family will continue for generations.

Steve had a natural way of making strangers feel like friends and friends feel like family. His contagious smile, vivacious sense of humor, and undeniable generosity will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Family and friends were invited to meet and attend a sunset Mass of Christian burial on Dec. 18 in St. Margaret Catholic Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison. All services were under the care of the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of Steve Lynch.