Stephen James Francis

Stephen James Francis leaves behind his wonderful, loving wife of 61 years Barbara (Gambaccini), whom he married in 1959 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kent, Ohio.  Then as a married couple, raising their family as members of St. Peter of the Fields in Rootstown, Ohio. They raised 10 children, Diane (Ray) Johnson, Stephen, Jr. (Angela) Francis, Karen Maffei, Marianne Kitakis, Joseph (Melissa) Francis, Matthew (Ruthann) Francis, Lisa (Kenny) Fry, Keith (Anita) Francis, Margaret (Williams) Francis and Laura Francis.  He was also blessed with 24 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews! Steve was preceded in death by his infant daughter on January 2, 1973, his parents, Joseph & Rose Francis of Rootstown, Ohio. Brothers, Joseph (Mary) Francis, John (Margaret) Francis and Frank (Madeline) Francis. Steve was born in Atwater, Ohio and graduated from Atwater High School.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. ​For Steve's entire working life, he was the owner of Steve Francis Excavating, as well as being the sexton at St. Peter of the Fields’ church cemetery 1981-2016. Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, July 1, 2021 with the family receiving at 10am and mass at 11.  Full military honors will follow the mass. Condolences and memories of Stephen may be shared with his family at www.sscfuneralhomes.