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In Our Care

Steven E. Drew

4/5/1967 - 1/31/2026

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Obituary For Steven E. Drew

With hearts overflowing with gratitude for the gift of his precious life and the joy he brought to ours, we share that Steven Edward Drew, 58, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, in Newport, Rhode Island, surrounded by love.

Born on April 5, 1967 — or simply “4-5-6-7,” as he would say with a proud grin, never missing a chance to recite his perfectly memorable birthday — Steven spent most of his life in his beloved hometown of Bristol, Rhode Island.

Steven carried himself with a spirit that was impossible to ignore and even harder not to love. He graduated from Bristol High School and remained deeply rooted in the community that knew him, celebrated him, and loved him right back. Steven was a joyful member of the First Congregational Church of Bristol, where he participated in many Christmas pageants and could often be found proudly assisting in ringing the church bells on Sunday mornings.

Following high school, Steven worked hard throughout his life. He held several local part-time positions over the years at Almacs, Pizza Hut, Stop & Shop, and Wendy’s, where he thoroughly enjoyed working and interacting with his hometown community, making ordinary moments brighter simply by being himself. He also dedicated 30 years of full-time employment to the Newport Navy Base before retiring, a testament to his strong work ethic and commitment.

While Steven worked hard, it was through the Rhode Island Special Olympics that he truly found his passion and purpose. For nearly 25 years, he built an extraordinary athletic “career,” earning countless medals in powerlifting, shot put, track and field, swimming, golf and sailing. His dedication and achievements earned him the honor of representing the United States at the International Special Olympics three times — twice in powerlifting, where he medaled and had the unforgettable opportunity of meeting and befriending Arnold Schwarzenegger, and once in China, where he proudly brought home a silver medal in sailing for the United States. Steven competed with joy, pride, and a determination that inspired everyone watching.

Steven’s Olympic accomplishments were celebrated throughout his hometown. He received several commendations from the Bristol Town Council and was honored with an official “Steven Drew Day” in Bristol. At the height of his Special Olympics years, he was invited annually to participate in Bristol’s famous Fourth of July Parade. Many will agree that Steven was a champion and a showman, forever flexing his muscles; no one could energize a crowd and bring them to their feet quite like Steven Drew. People would look forward to seeing him in the parade every year. Steven was, in every sense, a true Bristol icon.

During his “down time”, Steven was a loyal fan of the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox. He loved to watch old “Rocky” movies and episodes of “COPS”. His perfect dinner menu would include lasagna, garlic bread and caesar salad to be finished, without question, with his mandatory bowl of ice cream. Steven’s greatest joy in life however, was the cherished quality time he spent with family and friends. What people remember most is Steven’s love of dancing and singing off key; the way he lit up when he recognized a familiar face, and the playful grin that often came just before a dramatic, drawn-out, “Ohhh pleeeease!” that could make anyone laugh. If you were lucky enough to be in Steven’s inner circle, you know his most treasured words: “I love youuu.” His warmth, enthusiasm, and spirit full of pure love leaves behind an indelible mark on every heart blessed enough to have had the privilege of knowing him.

Steven is survived by his loving mother, Nancy Drew; his devoted sister, Stephanie Bateman, and her husband, Robert; his two beloved nieces, Samantha Drew and Sabrina Drew, as well as his “Looking Upwards family”, who lovingly cared for him in Newport during his final years and became a true extension of his own family.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 4–7 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, RI 02885. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite memories of Steven to share. A private funeral service will be held at a later date with family.

“He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;

Who leaves the world better than he found it;

Who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.” - Bessie Anderson Stanley

For directions or tributes, please visit: www.wjsmithfh.com.

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Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    Barbara Marie LePage planted 5 trees in memory of Steven E. Drew . - 03/03/2026

Condolences

  • 03/05/2026

    Laurie Heyden

    His zest for life was memorable. I worked with him at Pizza Hut, and remember him from Camp Stone Tower and BHS. I remember him being so proud earning lots of medals in the Special Olympics. He was so strong! He was a friend to us all I'm so sorry, Nancy and Stephanie. Laurie (Ramos) Heyden

  • 03/03/2026

    Pat Barone

    Dear Nancy & Stephanie, Please accept my sympathy on the loss of Steven. I was his bus aide on Mr. Oliver's Bus . He was a great kid & may he rest in peace. Sincerely Pat Barone

  • 02/23/2026

    Matt Securo

    Truly an amazing life and legacy. Steven and his family lived next door to my family on Pearse Ave and I remember him from a very young age. He surely was loved.

  • 02/22/2026

    Dave Amaral

    I befriended Steve when we worked together at Almacs. It was impossible not to like him. He had such an outgoing personality. I considered him the little brother I never had. One story that I always relate to others about Steve was the time I took him to a PC Friars basketball scrimmage. On the drive to PC, Steve asked me where we were going. I hadn't told him of my plan. A while later he said, "I know where we're going. I know people up there." After the scrimmage, I brought him to meet some of the players, but being Steve, he went his own way. I got worried because I didn't know where he went. I thought I had lost him (Sorry Mrs. Drew). But then, true to form, here comes Steve with three cheerleaders on each arm. He looked at me, wagged his finger and said, "See, I told you I knew people up here". Classic Steven Drew. Your friend always. Dave Amaral

  • 02/22/2026

    Bill Teixeira

    My sympathies to Steven's family and close friends. Very sad to hear of his passing. Steven and I were work-out partners at a local gym many years ago. We were all so proud of his achievements at the Olympics. Such a positive, fun person to be around. Rock on Steven, you left the world a better place. Bill Tex

  • 02/22/2026

    June A. Champagne

    Nancy & Stephanie, So very sad to read of Steven's passing. I remember Stephanie telling me of his involvement in Special Olympics & and how proud she & he was of his achievements. May his memories bring you comfort during these difficult days. With love and hugs. June Champagne

  • 02/21/2026

    Paul Dyer

    Dear Nancy, Stephanie and extended Drew Family - I was heartbroken to learn of Stevie's passing. At the same time, the picture of his smiling face brought back so many happy memories. He had such a joy for life and his smile lit up the world for those fortunate enough to be in his orbit. He also had a slightly mischievous spark and a playfulness, which I always admired. I interacted with many campers during my many happy years at Camp Stone Tower. A few transcended their status as campers and became my friends. Stevie was one of those. He lived life to the fullest and made the world a better place for those around him. I feel privileged to have known him and will always carry him in my heart. Paul Dyer

  • 02/21/2026

    Peggy and Jimmy DeLucca. Pdl

    Dear Nancy and Stephanie Jim called to tell me about, Steven's passing. He was very upset and called me immediately. There are not enough words to pay tribute to a wonderful man, friend, son and brother. Steven had a very loving family and friends He lived a very full life and was happy all the time. He loved everyone he met. Bristol and all of us who were fortunate to know Steven, have a huge void and loss without Steven in our lives. Steven is now with his Lord and Savior enjoying his reward in Heaven, that he so truly deserved. May he R I P. Love Peggy and Jimmy DeLucca

  • 02/19/2026

    Trish Anderson Martins

    It is rare in this lifetime to find someone who can have such a profound impact on the lives of so many people. Stevie was one of those rare souls. Always with a smile and a warm hug- he brought pure joy to everyone and taught us what truly matters. For me, he shaped my entire future and career from the minute I met him. He will forever be cherished and loved. My sincerest love and sympathies to Nancy, Stephanie and the rest of your family. Thank you for the incredible gift you gave all of us with Stevie. We are all better for having known him. Much love, Trish Anderson Martins ❤️

  • 02/18/2026

    April Tanguay

    Dear Nancy, Stephanie and family, I am so sorry to hear of Steven's passing and am thinking of you all. His memory will forever bring smiles to all who knew him. With love, April (Silva) Tanguay

  • 02/18/2026

    Jane Donovan

    Stephanie, Robert and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I never met him, I thought I knew him. That smile of his just lit up my day. What a great life he lived. Please now I'm sending hugs and prayers to all of you.

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