CANASERAGA-Steve A. France, 64, of Smith Road, passed away
peacefully on Sunday (Dec. 2, 2018) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester,
after a short illness. Born in Hornell on Nov. 8, 1954 he was a son of the late
Jesse and Bernice (Mess) France. Besides his parents he was also predeceased by
his brother, Michael France.
A lifelong resident
of Canaseraga, Steve also resided in Albany for his career for nearly 30 years,
but he always maintained a home in Canaseraga. Steve was a graduate of
Canaseraga Central School.
He was formerly
employed at Douglas Ford in Nunda and also owned and operated auto repair
garages in Canaseraga. In 1985 he began his employment with the New York State
Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in Hornell and in 1989 he moved to Albany
where he became employed with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
(NYSDMV) as an Investigator of Vehicle Safety and retired three years ago as
Director of Human Resources.
An avid outdoorsman, Steve enjoyed working around his home
accompanied by his dogs, Annie and Kibou, as well spending time in the woods
hunting. He also loved to collect cars and was a huge fan of MOPAR. Throughout
the years he attended and participated in the All-Chrysler Nationals in
Carlisle, Pa.
He will be remembered most of all for being a loving son,
husband, father, grandfather and brother, who was never afraid to express his
love to his family.
His loving family includes his wife of 14 years, the former
Connie J. Rahr who he married in Canaseraga on Aug. 8, 2004; five children,
Amber (John) Wood of Hampton, N.H., Linzie France (Bryan Duncan) of Swain,
Brian France (Ashlee Bendzus) of South Dansville, Timothy Blovsky (Brittany
Robinson) of West Seneca and Mary Hazen of Albany; eight grandchildren, Summer
Marcus, John Marcus, Nora Duncan, Laina France, Sophia France, Jesse France
Grady Blovsky and Brynn Blovsky; two brothers, Gary France (Judy Meyers) of
Canaseraga and Douglas (Cindy) France of Bishopville; two sisters, Tamara
Spencer of Hornell and Tina France (Jerry Johnston) of Canaseraga; also several
nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is
honored to serve the family of Steve A. France. Calling hours are -1-4 p.m.
Friday (Dec. 7, 2018) at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main
St., Hornell, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 8,
2018), with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Committal services and
interment will follow at the Canaseraga Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those
wishing may contribute in his memory to the Essential Club Free Library, 11
Pratt St., Canaseraga, N.Y. 14822. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be
available at the funeral home. Online
condolences or remembrances of Steve are welcomed on the Facebook page of
Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. or at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
