Stephen F. Gacek

Rye Beach - Stephen F. Gacek, 80, of Rye Beach, passed away at his home on January 19, 2023, with his wife, Jackie, at his side, from several health issues. Stephen was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on September 9, 1942, the first son of the late Francis Gacek and Emilia (Tebich) Gacek. After attending St. Stanislaus School, he graduated from Lowell High School and Northeastern University. At a very young age, Stephen became intrigued with the stock market. After accepting a position in Boston, his love of the financial markets soon led him to become the head macro investor and trader for Dresdner Bank’s Boston office. At age 21, he became the youngest member of the Boston Stock Exchange Board of Governors. He was highly respected in Boston and New York by his colleagues. Called Papa Bear or Professor, known for his discipline and honesty, Stephen was very bearish his entire life. He generously enjoyed sharing his knowledge and expertise with many younger men, becoming a patient mentor to those who could grasp his fundamental and technical analysis of domestic and international financial markets. He was a very kind and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor. Until he became a close friend of Bill’s, his wild youthful escapades were hilarious and hard to believe. Stephen loved the ocean, he loved to travel, he loved shopping in New Orleans for European antiques, he loved wintering in Naples but also loved summers at Hampton Beach and the Cape, belonging to the Polar Bear Club during his youth. He loved life itself. In1986, Stephen met his sweetheart Jackie on an arranged blind date. His sister-in-law Gisele knew that neither he nor Jackie ever wanted to get married again. Two years later, they were married in Sanbornton, NH, and bought a house in Rye Beach, where they built a life together. As a team, they enjoyed rehabbing their home, gardening, and hosting family and friends, candidates meetings, volunteering their house for garden and house tours. Stephen loved being a grandfather and adored his grandchildren, becoming a kid himself again, taking them to the beach, rewarding them for hitting targets at the driving range, fun at Jokers Arcade, Canobie Lake Amusement Park, buying them surf boards, ice cream treats, creating wonderful childhood memories for them. He loved passing out “walking around cash” which he told them all little kids should have. When commuting from Rye to Boston became too much, Stephen co-founded his own distinctive investment company in North Hampton, NH, employing and continuing to mentor young, up and coming traders. His generous benefits offered them and their young families a very comfortable life. He expanded North Hampton Partners offices as business grew, thus also reducing the commute for those from the Boston area. When cancer forced Stephen to retire in 2005, he took up golf at Abenaqui Country Club. Golf being a very challenging game and, as a member of the mens league, he named his group “Special Needs” because their scores were so high, but they had such fun forming lasting friendships. Never a braggart or name dropper, Stephen regarded every highly successful friend in the financial industry as a “regular guy.” He never flaunted his brilliant intellect or his success. He was gifted with an incredibly sharp, analytical mind. He studied and digested voluminous highly technical Federal Reserve reports, breaking them down and identifying the most consequential points from which he would then apply to his advantage while daily monitoring all the world markets. Stephen never really “retired” from the stock market, remaining bearish till the end. He was lovingly cared for at home during a long period of health issues. His devoted wife, and more recently added caregivers Estely Schlieman and Joanne Simmons, provided him with excellent personal care. Our family is grateful to these women and to the Rockingham VNA for their very caring services. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Predeceased by his youngest sibling, Mark, he is survived by his wife, their daughters Pamela Werner Ruppa (Paul), Stephanie Werner Maxon (William) and Heidi Werner Panosh (Thomas). He was the best Grampa Steve to Connor Maxon, Claire Maxon Lake (Cory), JoAnna Ruppa Sapp (Taylor), Anderson Ruppa, and great-granddaughter Rowan Sapp. Among his survivors are brothers Francis and Michael, sisters Loretta LeClerc, Eleanor Hebert, and Shirley Stanley, sister-in-law Janet Gacek, many cousins, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life is planned in late Spring. Contributions are suggested to Rockingham Visiting Nurses in Exeter, NH by clicking here, or to St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD 57326 by clicking here.

Stephen F. Gacek

September 9, 1942 - January 19, 2023