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BORN
1942
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Francis Covelli Obituary
As a child he moved to Flushing, NY and attended Loyola School. He graduated from Holy Cross College in 1964, then attended University of Bologna School of Medicine in Bologna, Italy. It was there he met his wife Giuseppina Morselli. The two married in 1968 and raised three children.
Francis and Giuseppina moved to Central Florida in 1974, where he co-founded a medical practice with his brother Joseph L. Covelli, M.D. Working with their father, it became known as the Covelli Clinic. He worked at numerous hospitals during his tenure in the Orlando area, including Winter Park Memorial Hospital where he served on multiple committees and was President of the Medical Staff. Francis was a constant advocate for patient care, and known for his love of history and education.
Francis is preceded in death by his wife Giuseppina, his sister Mariann Covelli Burridge. He is survived by his brother, Joseph L. Covelli, M.D.; his three children, Elizabeth Ann Covelli-Biddy, Michele Nicole Covelli-Hodge, and Joseph Michael Covelli II; and his eight grandchildren.
A visitation will be held Tues, Feb 16, 2021 from 6 pm to 9 pm at the DeGusipe Funeral Home in Maitland, and a Catholic Mass will be celebrated on Thurs, Feb 18 at 10 am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park. Attendance will be limited. A livestream of the funeral service can be accessed through www.stmargaretmary.org. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donation be sent to the Winter Park Health Foundation, 220 S. Edinburgh Dr., Winter Park, FL 32792, phone: 407-644-2300.
Arrangements under the direction of DeGusipe Funeral Home, Maitland, FL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis Covelli
Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.
Debra Tagliaferri
February 8, 2023
I miss you every time I walk into your office. It will always be Covelli clinic to me.
Leslie Rowlands
November 8, 2021
You were "Always The Very Best". Rest in Peace my Friend.
Yajaira Jeanette Ruperto
February 23, 2021
Dr. Covelli will be greatly missed. He was an amazing and compassionate man. My deepest condolences to the family.
Brad Block
February 21, 2021
Fran and I worked together through multiple hospital committees over the years. He was not only a wonderful person, but a good friend. This news saddens me, and I know he will be missed not only by me, but by numerous others.
Lynn Van Reich
February 20, 2021
I felt so blessed to have had Dr. Fran as my physician for the past 25 years until his retirement. Our visits always ended with a warm hug. I adored him.
Melissa Sanborn
February 19, 2021
Dr. Joe and family you have my deepest sympathies for the loss of Dr. Fran. It was always such a pleasure talking to him in the office. He was so jovial and full of life. He lives on in your hearts and the hearts of all who knew him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Vicki Sparrow
February 19, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Corelli was not only my Dr. but also a wonderful, thoughtful human. I have missed him since his retirement. I will miss him . You
Sam Atallah and Family
February 18, 2021
Very sad to hear of his passing. Dr. Covelli will always be fondly remembered as an outstanding physician and wonderful human being! Patients loved him - and so did we. Please accept our deepest condolences during this difficult time. His impact in Winter Park will never be forgotten! God Bless
Mary Timmes, RN
February 18, 2021
My condolences to all the Covelli family at this very sad time. What a legacy his life has been to everyone. I knew him first as a colleague at Winter Park Hospital, and when I saw how he treated his patients and respected the staff, I knew I wanted him as my personal physician as well. In addition to his work as a physician, he gave of his time sitting on and chairing quality improvement committees to improve many processes at the hospital and for that, many staff respected him even more. Bottom line, he really cared about patients and staff! God bless you for your life and be with you in heaven. Say hello to Nathan for us.
Jessie Collins
February 18, 2021
Worked with Dr Covelli at Winter Park Memorial for many years sad to hear of his passing , Prayers and Condolences to his family and friends
DiPinto Family
February 18, 2021
Will never forget how Doc helped us when Lou got cancer. He went beyond being a physician. We loved this man and will always hold him in our hearts. Will always remember "CIAO" and a hug when the visit was over. You will be missed. Much love xoxoxo
Mitchell Maulfair
February 18, 2021
It was an honor to have Fran as my colleague and friend. When I first came to Winter Park hospital in 2003, I was working nights exclusively in the emergency department and I would frequently call Fran in the early morning hours when I was taking care of one of his patients. Even though he always expressed his trust in me- which I valued greatly, he always offered to come in to see his patient- even if it was at four in the morning.
It was clear who was the Doctor-Godfather of the hospital. He knew everything about his patients and the medical staff. He was charming, engaging, fun, and always exemplified the kind heart of the physician that we as colleagues all hope to exemplify.
He was a legendary presence at hospital meetings, and you were assured they would be worth going just to hear what Fran would say about a controversial topic.
Mornings in the Doctor’s Lounge-
His interactions with the seldom working espresso machine in the doctor’s lounge were delightful. We had many great conversations about the practice of medicine, history, ethics, and religion. Memorable interactions as he would start his day and I would finish mine.
Fran leaves a legacy of a wonderful family, many in the medical profession who I am comforted to know will carry the torch Fran has passed to them.
Daniel Layish MD
February 18, 2021
May Dr. Covelli’s memory always be a blessing to his family, friends and patients!
Antoinette Barriero
February 17, 2021
Our dear family doctor for 45 years. He treated us always with the warmth of being family .When my husband Joe passed he new my deepest pain and helped me get through my darkest time. May he rest in peace.
Francille MacFarland
February 17, 2021
There are no words to describe the sense of loss of a good friend and colleague. My deepest sympathy to the Covelli family
Dr Archana Shah
February 17, 2021
May Dr Covelli Rest In Peace . I will miss his mentoring and his smile and hug whenever I saw him at Winterpark hospital . His presence at Meaning in medicine meetings really made me want to never miss any of those meetings . My sincere condolences to his loving family
Stephen and Marilyn lohonen
February 17, 2021
What a wonderful doctor ! Friend! Could not separate the two !! Words can´t explain the warmth / care and love we received from him ! Now the loss we feel we will miss him !! Our thoughts and prayers to family /thank you for sharing him / the world has lost a great doctor!! But mostly a great MAN !! Love you doc !!!
William Dooley, MD
February 17, 2021
Frank and I went to school together at Holy Cross. We both graduated from the pre-med program and successfully started our own practices almost simultaneously on opposite ends of this country - my practice was in Arizona until I retired in 1999. Please understand my sadness with Frank's departure to the side of God and I wish his entire family my most sincere sympathy. Frank was always excited to have me visit his family home in Flushing while we were in school together - especially at Thanksgiving weekends. He always showed utmost kindness to everyone. My best wishes to all of you!
Bill Silverman
February 17, 2021
A great Human Being. A standard to be lived up to. He will be missed.
dr michael barimo
February 17, 2021
He was my mentor...will never forget him
Dr. David Khosrowzadeh
February 17, 2021
Dr. Covelli was a warm and vibrant soul and someone I admired as I started my career as a physician in Winter Park. He was always so approachable and made the time to provide guidance and wisdom any time our paths crossed. Condolences to his family and friends. He was a blessing to this community.
Enid and Syd Jackowitz
February 17, 2021
We were so sad to hear of Dr. Covelli's passing. He was our doctor for many years. He was so kind and caring -- one of a kind. Our deepest sympathy to the Covelli family.
Diane Ostrander
February 16, 2021
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Fran. He was one of the most caring and compassionate individuals and physicians I have ever met and worked for. He will be forever in my heart. RIP Dr. Fran.
Marilyn and Ray Permaul
February 16, 2021
Sending my condolences to the Covelli family. May the Lord give you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Sending prayers.
Maddy Lopez
February 16, 2021
I am so sorry, and hope you know I am praying for you and your family.
Andrzej Dobradin
February 16, 2021
My sincere condolences to Covelli family. I am saddened by the news of Fran death. I lost my dear colleague, friend, who welcomed and supported me during my tenure at the Winter Park Memorial Hospital. May he Rest in Peace.
Jim and Cindy Kuehn
February 16, 2021
We are proud to have known Dr Fran not just as a Doctor but as one of the nicest and caring human beings that we have ever met. I worked with Dr Fran at WPMH for over 30 years , he was my doctor and my mother in laws doctor and there was nobody better. His style will never be matched and his caring never exceeded. May his family know how much he was loved by all those he touched. May he Rest In Peace. Jim and Cindy Kuehn
Isabel Correia
February 16, 2021
My condolences to the Covelli family. Frank will be missed.
Ron and Maryann Borgon
February 16, 2021
You don't meet very many people, or doctors, like Dr. Fran. He was kind, he was funny, he was caring. He listened to your concerns, he researched when he couldn't answer your questions, and he always spent time talking to you in his office to review things and talk about life. "Get dressed, young lady, and I'll see you in my office!" We were lucky to have been his patients since 1991, and felt like family. We are crushed to learn of his death, and he will always have a special place in our hearts. Goodbye, Dr. Fran. We love ya bunches.
The Hjelm Family
February 15, 2021
We are saddened to hear this. Dr. Covelli had a special place in our hearts. We will keep the family and friends in our prayers. He was the best doctor and we will always remember him. Blessings to all.
Lynne Merrill and Family
February 15, 2021
As I try to accept that someone else I love and respected and learned from has joined the angels, I also have over 35 years of memories of Fran. He loved life and loved his family. I hope that when I look up at the stars, one will shine brighter than the rest and I will know its Fran.
My love and heartfelt sympathies to Liz, Michelle and Joe as well as to Joe & Mo.
I hope you know how much I loved him.
Barbara Cardinal
February 15, 2021
It is goodbye for now sweet friend. It was an honor to know you. You were a wonderful person and an excellent physician. Thank you for your caring heart.
The Lord has welcomed you home. We hope to see you again one day. Blessings of peace and comfort to your family.
Barbara Cardinal
February 15, 2021
È un addio per ora dolce amico. È stato un onore conoscerti. Eri una persona meravigliosa e un ottimo medico. Grazie per il tuo cuore premuroso.
Il Signore ti ha accolto a casa. Speriamo di rivedervi un giorno. Benedizioni di pace e conforto alla tua famiglia.
Frank Schiavo
February 15, 2021
The finest doctor I ever knew. I was fortunate to have him as a doctor for over 40 years and always enjoyed our visits. I miss him terribly. Riposare in pace!
William Gabriel
February 15, 2021
Len and Ann Gabriel would like to express our sincerest sympathy to all doctor Covelli ‘s family. He was a wonderful doctor as well as a wonderful man. We admired him as a friend as well as a doctor. It was a sad day for us when he retired. He had such love for everyone and we will always cherish the personal relationships he had with us . He was never too busy to sit and talk about personal issues As well as our health. God blessed us to have him in our lives.
Gerald Schiffhorst
February 15, 2021
Dr. Fran was the greatest doctor I ever knew--and a great man, whose warmth and knowledge helped thousands of people. My wife, Lynn, and I were fortunate to his patients, feeling his love. May eternal rest shine upon him.
Jim Small
February 15, 2021
Sorry to hear of Frank´s passing. He was a good man and neighbor. He will be missed.
Debra Zazinski-Tagliaferri
February 15, 2021
The best doctor ever. I know he’s singing in heaven with love of his life , but will be missed on earth. God speed my friend. You have been in my families life since 1975.. Forever my backbone through our darkest times. Love Zazinski Family
Ed & Tink Bayton
February 14, 2021
My heart is so sad as I write this post.
Our very dearest and most treasured long time friend and family doctor has passed.
He was a man of all men. A gentle giant of his time. His medical knowledge surpassed what was taught and he learned in school. His knowledge was gathered from his true and sincere love of his patients. Years of giving, giving and giving.
He worked daily alongside his brother Joe in a shared office. The respect, love and laughter they shared spread throughout the office and staff. Their relationship surpassed many marriages in my opinion.
No one has or will ever fill his shoes.
To say Ed and I are broken hearted would undermine the love and respect we have for Fran.
Our very deepest condolences to your entire family and for anyone who knew him and may be reading this.
RIP Dr. Fran Covelli.
You name will always be spoken in fun, love and respect.
I miss the hugs you always wanted and gave to me.
Tink & Ed
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DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory - Maitland Chapel9001 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL 32751
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DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory - Maitland Chapel9001 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL 32751
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