Stephen Joseph Balboni was as born February 19, 1954, in Springfield, MA to Joseph and Theresa (Conway) Balboni. He graduated from Cathedral High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. It was during his initial term of service when he married his bride of 45 years, the former Cynthia Ballard. Near the end of his first enlistment, Steve was honored for bravery when he rushed into a burning building to rescue a trapped servicemember who he carried out of the fire. Steve and Cynthia then returned back to Springfield area where they initially lived in Springfield before becoming West Springfield residents in 1978. Steve worked at Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks from 1977 to 2015 when he began his well-deserved retirement. Steve's true hobby was continuing his service to the nation in the Massachusetts National Guard. Steve would often be known for regaling others with tales his annual training and other humorous stories for his military exploits. In 2002, Steve volunteered for active duty and would later deploy to Iraq in 2003. Enjoying confusing his fellow soldiers, Steve had empty cups from beloved Dunkin Donuts sent over so he could walk around Iraq with his "fresh" cup from Dunkin. He would again volunteer in 2006 to assist in the devasting Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. A caring father, Steve always ensured that he made the time to watch son's activities and be present in the moments of their greatest achievements. Whether in victory or loss, he could always be counted on to make you feel better. Steve's caring personality went far beyond just family and friends. He was the person that people always felt comfortable with enough to say what was troubling them. A passionate listener, it was always clear that he was always in the moment with the person he was talking to as if they were the most important thing to him in the world at that time. In his later years, Steve enjoyed camping with Cynthia in his beloved "Minnie Winnie" RV which he would take everywhere he could, whether it was to hockey, motor cross and visiting historical sites like Gettysburg with his grandchildren or visiting the wide variety of campgrounds across the Northeast. Steve took enjoyment in tormenting telemarketers during their phone calls. Asking as many non sequitur questions as possible until they finally hung-up in frustration. Steve loved to follow the Patriots, Bruins and Red Sox and reveled in their success over the last two decades after their struggles for mediocrity during the first half of his life. Steve was a long-standing member of both the Marconi Club and American Legion Post 430 of Springfield, MA. Steve will be missed by his loving wife of 45 years, Cynthia; children: Michael Balboni and his wife Kimberly, Mark and his wife Jeannette; grandchildren: Dominick, Colin, Aiden, Dante' and Zachary Balboni. His mother Theresa, sister Annie Girard and her husband Tony and sister-in-law Debbie Croteau. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Balboni and brother James Balboni. Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Monday, March 22 ^nd at 11:30am followed by burial in the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.   Visiting hours will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Sunday from 2:00 – 5:00pm.  Because of his lifelong service to the nation and its veterans, the family suggests sending memorial contributions to the K9 For Warriors Program  ( www.k9sforwarriors.org ).