Steven Thomas Blom, 38, was a devoted father to his 12-year-old son, sharing a passion for Harley-Davidsons and dirt-biking.

The two spent many hours together, not just as father and son, but as best friends.

"He was one of the best fathers I've ever seen," neighbor Beverly Milhomme told The Boston Globe. "He did everything with him. He was his first priority."

Blom, of Cranston, had been a self-employed painter for 20 years.

Blom's passion for motorcycles led him to befriend Milhomme's husband, Tim, who is also a motorcycle enthusiast.

"They helped each other rebuild engines," Milhomme said. Blom also participated in charity motorcycle rides to raise money for cystic fibrosis.