Francis M. "Fran" Stevenson

1935 - 2024

LODI- Francis "Fran" M. Steverson, age 88 of Lodi, N.Y. passed away peacefully in New Windsor, Md. on February 13, 2024.

Fran was born March 2, 1935 in Waverly N.Y. He moved to Lodi when he was 15. Upon meeting 'Patty-Anne' he knew she would become his wife. In 1955, at the ages of 20 and 17, they eloped in the middle of the night to South Carolina and began their marriage of 63 years.

After proudly serving a term in the US Army, he returned and made Lodi his lifelong home. He joined the Lodi Fire Department in 1958 and became a life member of the force.

Fran started his career at Willard Psychiatric Center in food service and then as a fire safety officer. He furthered his education and was one of the first graduates of the Community College of the Finger Lakes nursing program in 1967. He was proud of being a nurse at Williard Psychiatric Center, all while operating an in-home family care center for 35 years alongside his wife. In 1982, Fran became proprietor of the Eagle Hotel in Lodi, New York for the next 30 years which earned a reputation for the best fish fry in the area.

Fran was passionate about his beloved, Village of Lodi. He wore many hats over the years. The hat he was most passionate about was his representation of his hometown and its residents as their mayor from 1971 to 1975 and again from 2011 to 2017 with various community endeavors and accomplishments in between. Fran was extremely patriotic and orchestrating town parades to celebrate Memorial Day and the 4th of July. In his spare time, he enjoyed riding his 1973 John Deere tractor and looked for opportunities to help neighbors by mowing their lawn. He also loved the great outdoors, working in his gardens, and had an affinity for eating chips and cookies.

Fran was proceeded in death, by the love of his life, his wife, Patricia, and a daughter, Amy Beth. He is survived by his daughters: Melanie (John) Jarvis of Sodus, Kristin of Syracuse, and Jennifer (Gary) Hauppa of New Windsor, Md.; his grandchildren: Nicholas (Megan) Peters, Austin Jennings, Dakota Jennings, Matthew Smith, Jacob and Madeline Hauppa; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Nathaniel Peters. Also special in his life was Brad Jennings. And his two precious cats Max and Sassy.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, (February 21), officiated by Rev. Susan Pentz-Frost at Covert Funeral Home in Ovid. Prayers of committal will be held in West Lodi Cemetery.

Kindly consider a donation to the Lodi Fire Department in Fran's memory. For additional information, visit www.covertfuneralhome.com or call 607-869-3411.