Stephen R. "Rocky" Tollefsen

October 10, 2021

Stephen Robert “Rocky” Tollefsen of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY passed away suddenly on October 10, 2021 at the age of 72. Born in Brooklyn NY on August 28, 1949 to the late Robert and Eileen Tollefsen. A lifelong resident of Hastings, Rocky spent 40 + years as a devoted employee for the Village of Hastings DPW, before retiring in 2014. Rocky loved his town and has been referred to by many as “a legend”, “an iconic figure in the Village” and “The Mayor of Hastings”. Rocky always had a welcoming smile and loved to talk to everyone he met; he was everyone’s friend and was referred to as “a good soul”. Rocky could be seen walking everyday all over town whether it was to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons, eat at his favorite dining establishments, supporting his local businesses or siting along the Hudson riverfront enjoying the sunset. Rocky loved attending local community events such as softball games, supporting Hastings school sporting teams, supporting firehouse picnics and participating in fishing trips with his fellow friends from Hastings. He didn’t miss many of those local events and looked forward to them every year. Rocky had a gift of knowing everyone’s name and would also remember their extended family’s names. He always showed an interest by asking them how their families were doing and would ask updates about their life events such as attending college, marriage, children and grandchildren status’ and even remembered if they lost a family member. He was often referred to as the “minister of information.” He would wave to everyone who called his name, gave him a beep and yelled “Rocky” out the window and would always smile, wave and say “God Bless”. Stephen enjoyed attending daily mass at St. Matthews Catholic Church with his fellow parishioners and friends and at times had participated with the offertory of collections. Stephen is survived by his loving siblings, Barbara Moran, Loretta (Lori) Carton (John), Timothy (T-Man) Tollefsen (Andi). His loving nephews, JJ (Ashley), Johnny (Renata), Bo and nieces, Taylor (Doug), Sara, Brooke and Ashley. Great Grand Nephews, Cameron and Johnny and Great Grand Nieces Grace and Blake. As well as many cherished relatives and lifelong friends. Stephen was predeceased by his loving sister Carol Benson (John) and his loving and devoted parents Robert (Bob) and Eileen Tollefsen. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating funds and/or supporting your time to Hastings First Responders (Fire, Ambulance, Police), local businesses, Parks/Recreation Dept. or other Governmental Departments in Hastings-on-Hudson, the village that Stephen was so proud of and fortunate to call his home for 70-+ years and a town with so many people that looked out for Stephen and shared their friendship with him. “To Know Rocky was to Love Rocky” Love, his loving family who will miss him dearly.