Stephen A. Lacilla, 66, of Holden, died with his family by his side on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at UMass Memorial Healthcare, University Campus after an illness. Born in Worcester and raised in West Boylston, Steve was the son of Leo and Mary (Zickell) Lacilla and moved to Holden in 1984.

He graduated from West Boylston High School in 1965. Steve enlisted in the U.S. Army and honorably served his country during the Vietnam era. He continued his education graduating from Nichols College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1993, Anna Maria College with an MBA in 1996, Fitchburg State University with a Masters in Special Education in 2010, and received a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S) in Educational Leadership from Worcester State University in 2012. Steve began his career in business at Jamesbury Corp and later working over 10 years at Digital Equipment Corp and several years at Saint-Gobain in Worcester. Steve always had a special passion for education and particularly teaching. He embarked on his second career as a math teacher and taught for the past 10 years at South High Community School.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson and the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Steve looked forward to vacationing with his family every summer at Cape Cod. He was proud of his children and their many accomplishments, and enjoyed coaching them in Holden youth sports. He was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend and will be remembered for his wisdom, compassion and generosity.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Marydonna J. (Owens) Lacilla; two children, Lisa M. Lacilla and Michael S. Lacilla both of Holden; a brother, David Lacilla and his wife, Deborah of Manchester, CT; a sister, Lois Hall and her husband, Jim of San Marcos, CA; several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Steve’s family from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 3, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4, at St. Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.