LEWISTON, Maine — Stephen Vozzella was a champion cornhole player and a beloved husband and father. Vozzella was one of 18 victims killed Oct. 25 in a mass shooting at Schemengees Bar & Grill in Lewiston.
His two best friends, Steven Richards-Kretlow and Kyle Curtis, survived the shooting, according to his obituary.
Vozzella, 45, worked for the United States Postal Service at Branch 241.
“He had much more life to live before it was stolen from him in an all-too-common senseless act of gun violence," Brian Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, said in a statement about Vozzella.
Renfroe said Vozzella was playing cornhole with friends that night when he was killed.
"On behalf of NALC, I send my deepest sympathies to Brother Vozzella’s family, friends and colleagues. We mourn the loss of Stephen and all the innocent victims of this tragedy. Our hearts are with Stephen’s loved ones, all of those affected and the entire town of Lewiston," Renfroe wrote.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and with all those who were injured or lost a loved one in this senseless act of violence," a USPS representative wrote to NEWS CENTER Maine.
Vozzella, a member of the Deaf community, played in the New England Deaf Cornhole league.
The group posted on their Facebook page about Vozzella: "Steve has brought somewhat excitement and has huge smile to NEDC! He won several podiums and eager to play more! He will be missed on and off the courts! NEDC will not be the same without Steve Vozzella playing with us!"
In addition to cornhole, Vozzella was a member of the New England Deaf Biker Group and loved bowling.
Vozzella lived in Massachusetts before moving to Maine.
"New England is a close community, with families and friendships spanning state lines," Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said in a social media post. "What happened in Maine will weigh heavily on people across the region. To Steve’s loved ones, the deaf community, and all the victims’ families: I know nothing eases this pain, but we’re holding you in our hearts as the long process of healing begins."
Vozzella is survived by his wife Megan, son Anthony Vozzella daughter Bella, as well as his twin brother Nicholas, brother Anthony, sister Jennifer, aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. He was pre-deceased by his parents.
A friend of the family created a GoFundMe to help his family.
"His wife Megan and daughter Bella were his world," friend Darleen Michalec said. "Steve loved playing cornhole with his friends. He was a hardworking man who loved his family and animals."
Visiting hours for Vozzella were scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at the Chandler Funeral and Cremation Services, 45 Main St., South Paris.
A Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Saint Catherine of Sienna, 32 Paris St., in Norway.
A Celebration of Life was scheduled to follow at the Oxford Hills High School Cafeteria at 256 Main St., South Paris, after the funeral.