Stephen Paul Sill (1955 – 2026)

Stephen Paul Sill passed away on February 26, 2026, at the age of 70.

Stephen Paul Sill

Steve was born on September 7, 195,5 in Springfield, Vermont, sharing his birth month and day with his Mom, Freda.  He was born to Clyde Sill and Freda Ameigh Sill, spending his early years through high school in Springfield.  He applied for early enlistment in the United States Air Force and retired as a Master Sergeant in September 1994, having served 21 years on active duty.  His family accompanied him as he spent nine years overseas, including Korea, Germany, and England.  Steve’s education included a Bachelor’s Degree in History, completed during his last overseas tour, utilizing the authorized C.L.E.P. testing program.

He, his wife, Maggie, and his son, Stephen II, moved to Linden, VA, on July 25, 1995.  Finding Blue Mountain too challenging to navigate during the winter months when he was commuting to his United States Government Federal employment following his USAF career in Washington D.C., a two-hour commute each way, Steve moved his family to Front Royal in November 1995.

There appeared to be no time for sluffing off in his life, as Steve and Maggie immediately became involved in the Front Royal business community when Maggie opened Heaven Sent Shoppe, a Christian Bookstore & Gift Shop.  Over the next 22 years, in addition to his Government position, Steve was instrumental in organizing two “This Is Your Life” programs for Eleanor Rappaport & Berni Stokes, two longtime residents & professional business owners.  Subsequently, he and Maggie also sponsored two Founders and Homecoming events: the first, a grand Birthday Party for Seniors, and the second, a Vintage Fashion Show.  As President of the Downtown Business Association for multiple years, he brought forward the idea from the Board of Directors of forming Christkindlmarkt, a Christmas Market.  The Market was a successful phenomenon for 14 years.  He retired from the General Services Administration as a Director, GS-15, on September 17, 2017.

Steve had immense energy, a positive attitude, a Pollyanna disposition, and brilliant business acumen, establishing Americana Signs as a ‘retirement job’ during his tenure as a Federal Employee.

Steve was preceded in death by one brother, William F. Sill, and two sisters, Ida L. Schlotterbeck and Ann E. Waldmann.  Also, by one son, Michael A. Mashak.

He is survived by his wife Margaret (Maggie) A. Sill of Ocala, FL, and three sons, Mark E. Buckner and wife Tracy of Miamisburg, OH, Matthew D. Buckner of Front Royal, VA, John P. Buckner of Dayton, OH, Stephen P. Sill II and wife Jennifer of Thornton, CO, and one sister-in-law Marie Hazen of Sparta, WI., 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

One sister-in-law, Ardena Sill of Tunkhannock, PA, one brother, Charles M. Sill, and wife Elizabeth of Forest, VA, a sister, Ruth M. Sill of Pottstown, PA, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Masses will be said at Queen of Peace in Ocala, FL, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Front Royal, VA, and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta, Wisconsin.  A small gathering will be held at Saddle Oak Club in Ocala, also in Front Royal, and an intimate family dinner in Sparta for the Celebration of Steve’s Life. Dates/places for each will be announced at a later date.

Stephen will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery.