Stephen M. Williamson, age 68, of Acton, died November 29, 2024, at home, surrounded by his family. Stephen grew up in Saratoga, California, the eldest of seven, and like most members of a large family, he could reel off their names in order: SteveMarkMattDougBobMegJoe.

He graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in history and entered the world of books and publishing, which became his lifelong passion. He started at Capra Press in Santa Barbara, where he was instrumental in the 1983 publication of The Official Couch Potato Handbook, a lasting contribution to American culture. From there he moved on to publishing sales and marketing positions in New York and then Massachusetts, where he met his future wife, Betsy, at the American office of Faber and Faber. When his daughter, Clara, was born, he became an independent publishers' representative, a job he held until he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and retired in 2023.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Uhrig; his daughter, Dr. Clara Williamson; his siblings Matthew, Douglas, Robert, Joseph, and Margaret Enns and their partners and spouses; thirteen nieces and nephews; and two grandnephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Lee and Shirley, and brother Mark.

Stephen made a habit of getting up early and having several cups of coffee (Café Bustelo, black) while doing the New York Times crossword puzzle—in ink. He was thrilled when a puzzle Clara cocreated was published by the NYT while she was in college. In addition to reading, his favorite pastimes included listening to his vast catalogue of music at high volume; seeing live music and movies; playing his guitars; and meeting with his Buddhist book group. He had a wonderfully quirky sense of humor and could be counted on for hilarious (and usually inappropriate) remarks. A talented cook, Stephen made fabulous spaghetti sauce that could never be replicated, even by those who watched him closely many times. Stephen's devotion to his cats was legendary, and he reliably ceded ground during nightly competitions for his favorite chair. He loved vacationing on Cape Cod with his family and friends, watching Fourth of July fireworks from the porch while Betsy cowered inside. He was always game to have his picture taken with his head stuck through a cutout. And he was the proud owner of what might be the largest Gumby collection on the East Coast.

A celebration of Stephen's life is planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Binc Foundation or the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, or buy a book in his memory at an independent bookstore.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.