Stephen A. Wing

IPSWICH – It is with deepest sadness to share that Stephen A. Wing, 88, of Ipswich, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026.  Throughout his life, it was his nature to step back, giving attention to everyone else, so it is timely that these words deliberately focus only on him, no other names.

Stephen’s roots were in his beloved Maine where the riverbanks were his chapel, and the woods were his cathedral. He was an honorable man of solid values, authentic commitment, and unassuming dignity. He extended himself to others quietly and freely; he cared deeply; and he handled disappointments with grace.

His formative years were spent in what he fondly called “the hills of Maine.” He graduated from Winslow High School and then earned a degree in Forestry and Agriculture at the University of Maine. He continued his education at Fitchburg State College, earning his bachelor’s degree in industrial arts education in 1964 as well as receiving that year’s Creative Arts Award for his early work in robotics, long before STEM education existed. Later, he earned his master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Northeastern University. His natural insights coupled with his studies equipped the beloved Mr. Wing with an even bigger “Toolbox” for helping students develop not only their wood shop and metal shop technical skills but also confidence in themselves, pride in their products, and awareness of their own individual talents. His experiences as a young man on the lumber drive gave added depth (and many stories) to share about nature and ecology which were as valuable as the skills included in the shop curriculum.

Stephen’s teaching career started at Mahar Regional Junior/Senior High School in Orange, MA followed by twenty years in Lynnfield. In 1971, he was named Outstanding Industrial Arts Teacher of the Year by the Massachusetts Industrial Arts Education Society. During his Lynnfield years, he began as the grade nine metal shop teacher, and by the end of his twenty years he had taught grades five through nine wood shop as well as the interdisciplinary Creative and Technical Arts Program, which he helped to design. At the high school level, he had also developed the curriculum for the evolving CAD system, which in the late eighties was considered to be cutting edge. In 2002, he was included in the Lynnfield Historical Society’s Gallery of Tributes, being recognized for his outstanding work as a teacher and his remarkable commitment to his students. And right up until his passing, he received letters and messages from students telling him that he had made a difference in their lives.

Beyond his teaching years, he continued to be a life-long learner, using his skills and learning new ones, particularly in flying small planes. He also used his time to participate in walks for charities. He believed, “When you do something for yourself, it’s refreshing, but when you do something that helps others, it matters.” As his personal health challenges grew, he missed being active but never complained because “everybody is handling something.” He lived by the daily private question: “What have I done today that genuinely made someone else’s life better?” And he truly believed the ultimate compliment was to be considered “a good man.”

So as this son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, in-law, husband, colleague, teacher, neighbor, and friend quietly returns to his beloved Maine, he can know he has touched lives; he has been considered to be “a good man”; and he has made a difference.

ARRANGEMENTS: Fully respecting Stephen’s firm wishes, there will be no calling hours, services, or gatherings. He just wants to go quietly back to Maine. If people are so inclined to remember him by donations to a charity, The John Theissen Children’s Foundation, 1492 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793, www.jtcf.org/, was special to him. Arrangements by O’Donnell – Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple Street, Danvers. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.