Stephen F. Coville Sr.

Stephen F. Coville Sr., 76, of Albion, passed away on Jan. 17, 2019 in Strong Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Crandall Road in the Town of Gaines on March 23, 1942, a son of the late Arnold and Gladys (Snell) Coville.

He graduated from Albion High School in the class of 1961. Shortly after that, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving most of his four-year tour on the west coast as an aircraft mechanic in the Air Wing and achieving the rank of corporal.

He married the love of his life, Annette Ciccoline, on June 15, 1963. Following his military service, he and Annette returned to Albion, eventually moving next door to the house in which he was born. He was known to always be a hard worker, and over the years he was employed at Kodak, Frontier Kitchen of Batavia, Abex Corporation in Medina, J & J Refrigeration in Albion, and Allied Frozen Storage in Brockport. He retired in 2005 from the Albion Correctional Facility.

His lifelong dedication to mentoring youth was evidenced by his 26 years as Sandstone Park Little League coach and manager, producing a number of championship teams and successful high school and college athletes, but he was most proud of the men they grew up to be. He followed his coaching with another 16 years as the volunteer caretaker and lawn mower at Sandstone Park, where he also ran the concession stand for all of the games. He spent countless hours at St. Mary’s Archers’ Club, where he was a Life Member and held a number of officer positions over the years, including President and Trustee. He was a Meals on Wheels volunteer, enjoyed refinishing furniture, and was an avid gardener. Steve was a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan and a proud Democrat, and he was happy to discuss both with anyone who dared open the conversation. He enjoyed his time in his “man cave” barn/workshop with his friends.

He cherished his time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he was their biggest fan and supporter at all of their many activities and endeavors.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Stephen is survived by his wife of 55 years, Annette J. Coville; children, Stephen (Trish) Coville II of Barre Center, Tina (Averell) Coville-Bauder of Ovid, Gloria (Skip) Lear of Albion, and Marcus (Pamela) Coville of Waterport; his grandchildren, Meghan Hughson, Jonathan Coville, Hannah Coville, Nathaniel Bauder, Chamberlain Bauder, Trevor (Tamara) Schutz, Janie Schutz, Rylie Lear, Emily (Aric) Fox, Valeri Kujawa and Madyson Coville; great-grandchildren, Aviannah Hughson, Eli Schutz, Baileigh McAdoo, Aric Fox, Adalynne Fox and Micah Kujawa; his Coville siblings, Gerald, Karen and Philip; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Gloria, Donald, Margaret, Arnold, Kenneth, Robert, Sally and Sandra.

Stephen’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Strong Memorial Hospital for their kind and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations may be made in Stephen’s name to Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 684, Medina NY 14103.

Calling hours will be held on Sat., Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Ave., Albion, N.Y., followed by a funeral service at the funeral home at 1 p.m. Military honors will be rendered following the service at Mount Albion Cemetery.

To share a special memory or condolences, please visit www.christophermitchell.com.