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Ken & Deb Sherman posted a condolence
We were traveling when we got word of Fran's accident and later death, and were so sorry. We in the northwest now and think of him so often. We kept in touch with Fran when we traveled...he gave us updates on what was going on at home, UConn games, etc. - and so often he'd have a new joke for us too! We have great memories that go back decades - card games at our place, governor's balls, reciting of "Casey at the Bat" to the delight of all, political campaigns, parties, picnics, ... Fran was a loyal friend and we'll miss him. To quote Bob Hope, "Thanks for the Memories," Fran!
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Becky (Bigelow) Lambert posted a condolence
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Stevens' passing. He was my prinicpal at EES in the mid seventies. Among the fond memories that I have of him was the time that I was sent to his office for chewing gum and he had me put it on my nose!
I also remember his kindness and caring when I picked up a piece of glass on the playground against his advice and he had to tend to my cut!
As an adult, I was always happy to cross paths and talk about the old times! He remembered me and was always happy to see me.
My sincere sympathy to you for your loss. Take some comfort knowing that he will go on in the memories and hearts of many.
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Dale Warren posted a condolence
Blessed – That is what I was to have know “Fran.”
I first met Principal Stevens when I was in second grade at Eastford Elementary School. I was sent to “The Principal’s Office” for doing too much homework. (Sounds as crazy today as it did in 1974) I entered the office not understanding why I was in trouble. Principal Stevens explained that my second grade teacher wanted me punished for not following instructions. You see, instead of completing the required 2 pages of math homework each night I would do 5 or 6 pages. I loved math and wanted to finish my current workbook. Principal Stevens explained the reason we need to follow instructions and asked if I thought having to do 5 or 6 pages of math homework was a reasonable punishment. I smiled and nodded yes.
Later in life I got to know him as “Fran” and not Principal Stevens. He would always have a story to tell and usually ended it with a smile and a chuckle. He was a true gentleman and a friend to all who knew him.
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Ericka (Yvon) Laurens posted a condolence
Jenn, Sue, Mark, Scott:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
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Laurie Bardsley posted a condolence
I was in my early twenties, when Fran interviewed me for a teaching position at Eastford Elememtary School. Since I was beginning my second career, I will always have great memories of how Fran was so helpful to me, 26 years ago.
Thank you Mr.Stevens.
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Melissa Fales posted a condolence
I was lucky enough to work with Fran at the Village. It was always a pleasure to see him because he always had a such a sparkle in his eye. He was a true gentleman and he will be missed.
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Katie & Craig Hill posted a condolence
Fran quickly became one of our favorite co - workers at Old Sturbridge Village. He was a good friend to both of us in many ways. He attended our wedding and insisted on paying for the "champagne". He was our first guest at our first St. Patrick's Day dinner. Because of Fran, we could enjoy the Woodstock Fair and he always made sure the kids had tickets for the rides. At OSV,he was so convincing in his role of "Rev. Worcester", a male chauvinist preacher, that I (Katie) once burned coffee while fuming at his character's sermonizing!( I must add that Fran was in real life very open minded. He could also turn on the charm and managed to get this fire - breathing liberal Democrat to accompany him to a Republican spaghetti supper!
Fran's obituary leaves out one of his accomplishments: his role as Santa at Whipple's Christmas Wonderland. Despite the girth, his laugh was very convincing!
Goodbye, Fran. We'll miss your jokes, your friendship,
and most of all, you.
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Sue Larson Kimball posted a condolence
I have known Fran since I was a kid and have always felt that he defined the term "gentleman". He always greeted you with a smile, was quick to laugh, and loved to share his stories. Fran lived to serve and share, and will be missed by many.
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Tom Kelleher posted a condolence
I worked with Fran at Old Sturbridge Village, and will really miss him; what a great man! He always, always, had a new joke whenever i saw him, and he told them so well.
Please accept my sympathy.
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Deb Knight posted a condolence
I worked with Fran at OSV. He was such a story teller and always had quite an array of jokes that he shared...very funny! If I'm not mistaken someone in the family got married at the Meetinghouse in the Village and I was in costume for it. With a granddaughter in Camp over the summer at OSV I got a chance to see him even after he stopped working...he will be missed...
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Neil Cunningham posted a condolence
I will never forget my days of working with Fran in the Knight Store and on the Boat at Old Sturbridge Village. We shared many stories about our careers in Education. And we share a few stories that never made it to the classroom.
A finer gentleman I have never met.
He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.