Stephen E. Gibbons, 50, of Hopkinton formerly of Ashland, died at his home on Thursday December 11th after battling a long illness. He was the son of the late Frank and Mary (Donahue) Gibbons of Ashland. A graduate of Ashland High School Class of 1982, Stephen served his country honorably in the Army Reserve from 1982 - 1988. Stephen was later a volunteer in the Peace Corps in Khandbari, Nepal, from 1989 - 1992, conducting both biological experiments and instructing the Nepalese on the latest agricultural techniques. He was a 1987 graduate of Framingham State University with a degree in Biology. Stephen was an avid outdoorsman who loved animals, nature and loved to travel. He was beloved by his family, nieces and nephews whom he went out of his way for whenever possible. He is survived by four siblings; Christine Roddy; Joseph Gibbons and his wife Penny; Denise Henry and her husband Bill; and Michael Gibbons and his wife Allison; and seven nieces and nephews; Jillian, Luis, Eduardo, Brendan, Lindsay, Christopher, and Kelsey. Stephen is also survived by his beloved dog, Fargo. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday Jan. 3rd at 10:00am in St. Matthew's Parish, 105 Southville Road, Southborough with burial to follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland. Calling hours will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. in Ashland. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Baypath Humane Society, 5 Rafferty Road, Hopkinton, MA 01748