Steven Vasil Peters, Jr.

Steven Vasil Peters Jr., 63, of Griswold, Connecticut, passed away on January 25, 2026. Born on March 19, 1962, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Steven V. Peters Sr and Mavis (Wright) Peters.

For 22 years, Steve was the devoted best friend and fiance of Licia Sas of Griswold. Their life together was built on love, loyalty, laughter, and a shared passion to rescue dogs. Steve was incredibly proud of his bonus kids, April Burroughs and her husband Aaron Champagne of Lebanon, CT, and Sean Sas and his girlfriend Angela Fortuna of Griswold, CT. Some of his proudest moments were walking April down the aisle on her wedding day and coaching many of Sean’s sports teams—roles he took seriously and loved deeply.

Steven is survived by his sister Victoria Koski (Robert) of Worcester, MA; nephews Daniel and Timothy Koski; niece Amy Koski; sisters-in-law Karen Newton and Barbara Chute and brother-in-law Dennis Chute, as well as bonus nieces, nephews, and great-nieces.

 He was predeceased by his parents, Steven V. Peters and Mavis (Wright) Peters and his brother, Louis A. Birtz.

Steve was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force. He served from April 1981 until July 13, 1988, earning multiple medals and ribbons over his career. Being honorably discharged due to the Strength Reduction Act and the closure of bases, including Pease Air Force Base, where he was stationed, was heartbreaking for him—he truly loved the Air Force and serving his country, and he carried that pride with him always.  He never missed a chance to thank a fellow veteran for their service. 

Steve brought that same dedication into his career after serving his country. For more than five years, he worked as a Commercial Inspector with Waltham Pest Services. He was passionate about his job, gave 100% every single day, and genuinely cared about his customers and his coworkers. He loved sharing stories about the people he met on the job-especially when those conversations involved rescue dogs.

If there was one title Steve wore with absolute pride, it was “dog dad.” He and Licia rescued and fostered many dogs over the years, keeping a majority of them (foster fails). He was preceded in death by their original six rescues—Jack, Cooper, Daisy, Nugget, Browny, and Misty—who no doubt greeted him enthusiastically on the other side. He leaves behind their current rescue pups Annie, Piper, BoBo, Gracie, and Frankie. Steve was a firm believer in adopting, not shopping, and his dogs were truly his family.

Steve will be remembered for his huge heart, his loyalty, his work ethic, his love of animals, and the way he showed up fully for the people he cared about. He leaves behind a lot of love, a lot of stories, and a space that can never quite be filled.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

The Hands Helping Paws Project, PO Box 163, Ashford, CT 06278,  a nonprofit focused on providing financial assistance for medical care for senior and medically needy dogs and cats, to help keep pets with their owners or in rescue.  Wings of Freedom Animal Rescue, PO Box 172, Griswold, CT 06351

A Celebration of Life will be held 12:00PM March 8, 2026 at the VFW Post #10004 263 Taylor Hill Road Griswold, CT 06351

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