Stephen Pazyra

Stephen Pazyra, 66, of Revere, Massachusetts, died on October 21, 2022, after a brief battle with cancer. His beloved wife, Danette (Gerry) Pazyra, originally of Wakefield, Massachusetts, his loving sister MaryAnn Stasio of Danville, New Hampshire, and beloved niece Marylin Stasio were at his side.

Stephen was born in Revere in 1955, the son of the late Francis Pazyra and Marie (Russo) Pazyra. In addition to his wife, Danette, and sister, MaryAnn, he is survived by Dennis Stasio of Danville, New Hampshire, husband to MaryAnn; brother Francis Pazyra of Revere; sister Barbara Labbe of Revere; sister Rosemarie Thornton and her husband Gordon Thornton of North Reading, and three generations of loving nieces and nephews. He was a graduate of Revere High School, Class of 1973.

“Chef Steve” dedicated his life to local business as the co-owner of award-winning Winchester bakery La Patisserie and as an advocate for community businesses through his work for the Winchester Chamber of Commerce. From the time he purchased La Patisserie with his wife up to his final days, he treasured the role his bakery played in holidays and family celebrations. He was a reliable supporter of Winchester’s Winton Club and local food banks, and made countless of donations to Winchester schools, groups and clubs during the 38 years he operated the business, part of his commitment to preserving the character of local community built by local business owners.

In 2004, Steve brought his entrepreneurial skill and love of neighborhood bakeries to the Internet, launching 1-800-Bakery.com, a pioneering website that provided nationwide sales to local bakeries around the United States. His company was among the first to tackle the logistical problems of shipping fresh cakes and perishables and provided bakery owners the chance to expand their businesses and reputation through ecommerce.

In his private life, Stephen loved to travel, exploring fine food across the great cities of the United States and his favorite retreats in Quebec City and along the Maine coastline. At home, he could be found tending flowers in his garden in the company of his beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Coco.

Stephen treasured the connections he made with customers and fellow business owners and the joy that his business brought to holidays and personal celebrations. Steve summed up the love of his life and work by always saying, “Have fun,” and he did.

Relatives and friends will gather in remembrance of Stephen’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main Street, Melrose, on Sunday, October 30 from 2 to 5 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am on Monday, October 31, at Immaculate Conception Church, 133 Beach Street, Revere, with internment to follow at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield. Contributions in Stephen’s memory may be made to Voices of Hope Boston, 171 Park St., Stoneham, MA. 02180.