The Wilmington community is heartbroken over the passing of Steve Scanlon, a beloved high school coach, who died on October 12, 2025, at the age of 63 after a courageous battle with throat cancer.
Steve leaves behind his wife, Tine, and their three children, Sioban, Colin, and Shailagh.
For 35 years, Steve was a towering presence on the Wilmington High School hockey bench, known for his distinctive attire, including a long trench coat, an Irish necklace, work boots, and flowing hair.
His distinct, booming voice echoed across the rink, shouting phrases only his players could decode, making him a true legend in Massachusetts high school sports.
Steve Scanlon’s legacy is etched in the Record Books and the Hearts of those who knew him
With over 700 wins across soccer and hockey, including three state championships, his accomplishments are staggering.
He led Westford Academy to a Division 2 state soccer title in 1992 and guided Wilmington High’s hockey team to back-to-back Division 2 state championships in 2012 and 2013.
His overall record of 724-503-246 reflects his relentless drive, with 386 hockey wins making him the winningest coach in Wilmington High history and 209 soccer victories ranking him fifth.
Steve also secured seven sectional titles and 19 league championships across five leagues: MVC, DCL, Mid-Wach, CAL, and Middlesex League.
Remarkably, Steve and his father, Dick Scanlon, who won over 400 games at Wilmington High, are believed to be the only father-son duo in Massachusetts to each win 300 games at the same school.
Even during the 2024-25 season, while battling throat cancer, Steve coached both the soccer and hockey teams with unmatched grit.
Just seven months after leading the Wildcats in a state tournament loss to North Reading, he passed away, leaving behind a legacy of toughness and heart.
His teams were known for their discipline and sportsmanship, earning the CAL Sportsmanship Award four consecutive years.
Steve himself was honored as Coach of the Year over 20 times by various media outlets.
He was inducted into both the Wilmington High School and the Massachusetts State Coaches Soccer and Hockey Association’s Hall of Fame.
Before coaching, Steve was a standout three-sport athlete at Wilmington High, excelling in soccer, hockey, and baseball.
During his senior year in 1980, he helped the soccer team reach the Division 2 North sectional semifinals, a dramatic turnaround from a one-win season the year prior.
Alongside teammate Jimmy Burns, Steve scored 25 of the team’s 40 goals that season.
After graduating, he continued his athletic career at Curry College, where he starred in soccer and hockey, ranking sixth all-time in soccer assists.
Steve’s coaching career began right after college. In 1985 and 1986, he coached Methuen High’s soccer team, winning an MVC Division 2 title.
That same year, he began as Wilmington High’s junior varsity hockey coach, before assuming the varsity helm in 1991.
His first major triumph came in 1992, when he led an undefeated Westford Academy soccer team (19-0-5) to DCL, Division 2 North Sectional, Eastern Mass, and state titles, sealed by Paul Davison’s double-overtime goal against Quabbin Regional.
Steve coached at Westford until 1997, then took over for his father at Wilmington High in 2000.
His soccer teams made nine tournament appearances, including a sectional final loss to Masconomet in 2009.
Meanwhile, his hockey teams reached new heights, culminating in a 2008 Division 2 state final and the unforgettable state titles in 2012 and 2013 at TD Garden.
Beyond the Wins, Steve’s Character Defined Him
His pride, passion, and charisma made him unforgettable.
“Scanlon’s pride and passion played a big part in his success as a coach. But his character, devotion to his family and friends, his wit and charisma, are what separated him from the rest,”
Said Shannon Kathleen, a family friend.
“Right to the end, we’d see a photo of him on the ice with his long trench coat and hair flowing out the back, and we’d send it around to each other. He was a legend. There’s only one Steve.”
Chip Bruce, Steve’s friend of nearly 50 years and assistant coach for 30, added,
“I don’t think people know how many of his players credit Steve with shaping them into the men they are today.”
Steve’s humor shone through in post-game interviews, where he’d share funny stories sprinkled with his signature “you know.”
His influence extended far beyond the field and rink, touching players, colleagues, and the entire community.
Social media has been flooded with tributes, with former players and friends sharing memories of his mentorship and larger-than-life personality.
Wilmington High plans to honor Steve with a memorial ceremony at the rink where he spent so many years inspiring others.
Steve Scanlon’s death leaves a void in Wilmington, but his legacy as a coach, father, husband, and friend will live on.
Rest in peace, Coach. You’ll be missed greatly.
