Steven L. Polesel 1954-2020

Steven Louis Polesel, LCSW of Avon, Connecticut, 66, passed away on November 22, 2020 at UConn Health Center’s John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington after a two-year long health battle. He was surrounded by his three adult children and his beloved wife of 41 years.

Steven was born on February 10, 1954 in Manhattan, NY, son of the late Ann Maltempo and the late George Polesel. He grew up in Harlem and then the Bronx. He lead a life of service to others. After receiving his Master’s of Social Work he worked in adoption; hospital and medical social work; child, adolescent and family services and was a licensed individual, family and couples psychotherapist in private practice for 30 years in Avon.

In his free time, Steve enjoyed quiet mornings with his wife before work, having a hot cup of coffee, bonding with the family dog, Gypsy. He enjoyed sunny summer days in the pool with his wife and children, skiing the slopes, mint chocolate chip ice cream, the coziness of a well-stoked fire in the fireplace, smooth Christmas jazz, Star Trek, superhero movies, American history documentaries and miniseries, and constantly reading. More than anything, he just liked “being” with his family. He enjoyed being still; valued comfort, kindness and patience. His greatest joy was being a husband and father.

His clients remember him as a warm and gentle man; he provided a safe space for individuals and families going through turbulent times. He insisted that the important work of helping others should go on after his passing.

He is survived by his wife Janet Eleanor Schiliro, his son Matthew Steven Polesel, his daughters Allison Ann Polesel and Jessica Jean Polesel, all of Avon. He is also survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law Joseph Schiliro and Eleanor Schiliro, also of Avon; his sister-in-law Joanne Marie Kennedy of Simsbury; his brother-in-law Gary Schiliro and his wife Jane, his nephew Alexander Schiliro and niece Brittany Schiliro, all of Kings Park, NY. His many friends and colleagues in the mental health community will carry on his legacy.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services are TBD and may be announced by the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a physical or monetary donation to the American Red Cross Blood Bank (www.redcrossblood.org), the Connecticut Humane Society (give.cthumane.org), and/or the National Alliance of Mental Illness (give.nami.org).