HAVERHILL - Stephen Dean Fudge, known to many as "Hot Fudge", 66, of Boynton Beach, FL and previously Haverhill, MA passed away on Sunday, September 2, 2012, after a brief illness.

Steve was born March 20, 1946 to Harold and Nina (Cooney) Fudge in Medford. He was a 1964 graduate of Medford High School.

Early in his career, Steve owned and operated two cable television construction companies. He then turned his interest to raising and breeding Morgan horses. He built and operated Bradvue Farm in Bradford and could usually be found rail side, supporting his daughters and the horses bearing his farm prefix in Morgan horse shows across the country. He later owned and operated a landscaping company serving the Haverhill and surrounding areas before moving to Florida in 2004. In his recent years he operated a tow company before enjoying semi-retirement.

Stephen was an avid boater, a love he acquired in his early years in Rockport, MA and continued throughout his adult life. His most memorable boat was the "HOT Fudge", a fire red fountain boat that he skippered up and down the east coast. Steve was a notorious prankster, and thoroughly enjoyed entertaining people both on and off the water. He was a self admitted big kid and was always ready for an adventure as long as it included speed. Whether it was fast cars, horses, boats or snowmobiles Steve didn't do anything at a moderate pace. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and always was making the people he surrounded laugh with his jokes.

Steve is survived by his daughters Lauri Fudge and significant other Deme Erickson, DVM of Farmington, NH; Kerri Fudge Fletcher and husband Chad of Stratham, NH and Alison Fudge of Haverhill; granddaughters, Olivia, Alexis, Addison, Nola, Lexi and grandson Brody, and Steve's dear friend, Patricia Wyman; brothers, Richard Fudge, Sr., Ronald Fudge, Sr., Lawrence Fudge, their respective wives and many adoring nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering will be held for Steve on Thursday, September 13 in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street (Rte. 125), Bradford from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 or to the American Red Cross, 139 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142. Courtesy local transportation to the memorial gathering will be provided on request by calling Driscoll Funeral Home at 978-374-0000.

For directions and online guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com