Steve would tell people that he strived to live by the Golden Rule: Treat others how you would like to be treated. With his quick-to-joke personality and easy nature, you knew this to be true as soon as you met him. But what his friends and family also knew to be true was that he was a selfless mentor and natural leader.
Steve was a long-standing resident of Goffstown, New Hampshire. He married the love of his life, Nancy, in 1989. They felt a great sense of community in Goffstown, and they chose to live and raise their sons, Kerry and Garrett, here. Steve, being the avid outdoorsman and sportsman, enjoyed teaching his sons everything he knew about fishing, hunting, archery, and sports. He loved coaching their baseball teams, cheering for them when they were playing football, and guiding them through life as they became men. He was so proud of all their accomplishments and the men that they were becoming.
Steve joined Goffstown’s fire department call force in May 1985 and started his full-time firefighting career for Goffstown in February 1987. His retirement in May 2015 allowed him more time to enjoy his passions. As a member of the Goffstown Fish and Game Association, he was able to volunteer more at his club and to develop their archery course and archery league. Steve was able to spend more time on education and community projects. In 2020, Steve was recognized for his ten years of volunteer service to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Hunter Education Program.
In March of 2019, Steve was asked by Goffstown’s Select Board to fill an interim fire chief position. He accepted the position because he never hesitated to help his community. He continued working for the department, both as interim deputy chief and training captain until the time of his death. Among helping with many advances throughout the GFD, Steve was instrumental in the town’s transition to 24/7 coverage.
Steve was able to positively effect many people in the Goffstown community and scores of firefighters in his lifetime. His family and friends know that the many small ripples he made in this large pond will continue when we strive to live by Steven’s Golden Rule.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” -John Quincy Adams
This honor is so deserving of all you gave in your short time on this Earth. I always taught you to treat people as you wanted to be treated. Respect is a big word . You touched people so deeply in your short time in this earth. I remember certain things as a teenager when you handled problems with such wise actions. You were very impressive. . You trained firefighters for years the best you could so they would do their jobs as best they could staying safe at the same time. You detest every this honor. I’m a very proud Mom and miss you so much. You did good son, you did the very best, and are missed by so many.
– Linda DesjardinsI had the honor of being Steve’s Fire Chief for 3 year’s before retiring. I can honestly say that in my 30 years, Steve was one of the most memorable people that I had the pleasure to work with. As soon as you met him, you knew that he was a special person. He had the ability to make everyone he met feel welcome. He would offer you any help that you may need, but more importantly he wanted to know about you. Steve wanted to get to know you the person as well as the firefighter. By the time you finished talking with him it was like you had worked with him for years! Steve Tower will always be remembered as a special person to more people than he could ever have imagined.
– Frank CarpentinoSteve and I worked together for 20 years we were friends from the time we met and worked together alongside each other through the academy.
– Steven MillerHe was a dear friend to me and my family he was my best man when I married. We shared many of life’s ups and downs together. He is missed dearly.
I’m the proud Mom of Capt Steven W Tower. A smart and funny son who made us smile. His father and I were volunteer firefighters and first EMT’s in Goffstown. Steven witnessed us running to trucks and the ambulance many times. At 18 he joined and went to the Fire academy. The rest is history. He loved being Capt of Training and taught SAFETY FIRST. He pulled out all his that his students were capable of for, he knew they could do better. He was a remarkable son, leader, teacher, husband, father and would have been the best Papi, grandpa ever if he had the chance. He was so excited to be a Papi. Lest than three months before his grandchild was born, he passed suddenly. He was a grandpa of the best little girl ever! His first grandchild , Quinn made her appearance three months after his passing. Steven filled a room always with his presence. He still is sorely missed by all who knew him. Rest my son, you did well Live you always my First born. Your mom, Linda Desjardins
– Linda Desjardins