John Joseph Stevens, 48, of Southbury died February 14, in North Carolina. He was born October 4, 1969, in Milford.

He spent most of his school age years in Newtown before moving to Southbury in 1987.

Known as a talented man who could fix just about anything, Mr Stevens was a self-employed carpenter, but his passion was hardwood floors. He spent his life helping people realize their home improvement dreams with his carpentry skills. His loved ones say that he had a smile that could light up a room and continued to captivate a crowd with his storytelling.

His brother, Michael Stevens of Lillington, N.C.; his sisters and their husbands, Jennifer and Barry Marshburn of Sanford, N.C., Christine and Daniel Pascoe of Southbury, and Susan and Craig Grimes of Middlebury; and nine nieces and nephews survive him.

His mother, Jacqueline Pate, predeceased him.

A memorial celebration of Mr Steven's life will be conducted on Sunday, March 4, at the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, 65 Tucker Hill Road, Middlebury, from 1 to 5 pm.