Obituary of Francis C. Stevens

Francis C. Stevens, 79, of Woodstock, died peacefully Friday, June 11, 2010 evening from injuries from a car accident. He was born October 11, 1930 in Killingly, son of the late Clinton Henry and Mildred (Pechie) Stevens. He received his Master's Degree in 1962 and his sixth year Certificate in 1967 from the University of Connecticut. Mr. Stevens was a Science Teacher at the Killingly and Brooklyn Schools, a teacher and Administrative Assistant for the Woodstock Public School. In 1962 he was employed by the Brooklyn Schools, as a teacher and Assistant Principal and became Principal in 1966. He was an Education Service Specialist for the Connecticut State Department of Education from 1967-1978. He served as an Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Norwich from 1968-1972. In 1972 he was appointed as Superintendent and Principal for Eastford Public School. After retiring Francis worked for many years at Old Sturbridge Village as an Interpreter in the School. He was a Korean Veteran of the US Navy serving as a Medic, and served 18 months with the Marines. He was an Assistant Cub Scout Master, a Coach, Umpire, and Farm Team Director of the Little League in Danielson and Woodstock, the Boys State Coordinator for the American Legion in Danielson, served as a Director of the Windham County 4-H Camp, a Part Time News Reporter for the Hartford Times and Norwich Bulletin. He served as Probate Judge in Woodstock and served on the Killingly Town Council and on the State Board of Parole. He was a member of the Windham County 4-H Foundation, a member of Christ Episcopal Church and served the church as Vestryman. Francis was a member of the Muddy Brook Volunteer Fire Department and a Life member of Windham County Agricultural Society, Woodstock Agricultural Society, Chairman of the Woodstock School Building Committee in 1968, a member of CASA, served on the Legislative Committee and Small Regional Schools Committee, Northeast Area School Superintendents Association serving as President and secretary, a member of the Governor's Block Grant Advisory Committee, a member of the Woodstock Academy School Building Committee in 1987. Fran was a Director of the Woodstock Fair for many years and was a former selectman for the Town of Woodstock serving eight years. He was a 32nd degree Mason with memberships in the Putnam Lodge AM and FM and the Moriah Lodge, a member of the of the Scottish Rite and was a Shriner. He was Elected Kappa Delta Pi in 1958, Phi Delta Kappa in 1962 and "Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities" in 1959. He leaves his children: Mark Stevens of Woodstock; Scott Stevens and his wife Amanda of Woodstock; Susan Blackshear and her husband Doyle of Griswold; Jennifer Beightol and her husband John of Hattiesburg, Miss.; sisters: Sylvia Stevens-Zingrone and her husband John of Tarpon Springs, FL; Constance Bordonaro of Brooklyn, grandchildren: Ashton Beightol; Abigael Stevens, several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be 12 00 Noon, Saturday, June 19, 2010 in Christ Episcopal Church, 521 Pomfret Street, Pomfret followed by burial with Military Honors in East Woodstock Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to the Scholarship Fund, Woodstock Agricultural Society Treasurer, PO Box 1, Woodstock, CT 06281. Arrangements by Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam. To share a memory with his family, "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com