Stephan Zepeda

R. Stephan Zepeda, 27, died Monday afternoon, July 11, 2022, at Mass General Hospital surrounded by his loving family and dedicated caregivers following a decades-long battle with Neurofibromatosis type 2. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico on March 28, 1995, he was the beloved son of Fabiola (Barba Robles) and the late Roman Zepeda. Stephan emigrated to the United States in 1997, first settling in Charlestown, later moving to Middleton where he had been a resident since 2001. There, he became the beloved son of Douglas LeColst of Middleton; a true father figure accompanied by Stephan’s mother throughout the remainder of his life. He was educated in Middleton Schools and graduated from Masconomet High School in 2013. He also attended Rochester Institute of Technology in NY. While studying there, he became an official ordained minister of the American Marriage Ministries. Stephan was a dedicated Boston sports fan, but especially loved baseball and the Red Sox. The day he was able to meet David Ortiz on the field at Fenway Park through the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation was the best day of his life. He and his family were grateful for the help of Make-A-Wish and ESPN for making his dream come true. Video of this special day can be found on YouTube under “My Wish: David Ortiz meets Stephan.” In addition to his parents, he leaves his two beloved siblings, Zachary and Madison LeColst, both of Middleton, his grandparents, Kenneth and Kathleen LeColst of Middleton, and Guadalupe and Javier Barba of Mexico, a special cousin, Joshua Zepeda, who was like a brother to him, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins in Middleton and Mexico. Stephan’s family is especially appreciative to the medical staff at MGH and MEEI for the care and support they have received during the many years of Stephan’s illness. At Stephan’s request, all services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephan’s name may be made to Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts, 133 Federal Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110 or Neurofibromatosis Northeast, 8 Bedford St., Burlington, MA 01803. Arrangements are by C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. To share an expression of sympathy with Stephan’s family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.