Obituary of Francis S. Fletcher

Francis S. " Frank" Fletcher

Steuben - Francis S. "Frank" Fletcher, 84, passed away in his sleep at home on August 19, 2023. Frank was born December 5, 1938, in Brooklyn, NY to the late Francis P. and Ida (Danoski) Fletcher. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, A. Patricia (Pucci) and their children, Michael Pucci (Milissa) of Brick, NJ, Donna Beaman (Bobby) of Wilson, NC, Patrick Fletcher (Christina) of Locust Fork, AL and Eric Fletcher (Renea) of Upper Marlboro, MD.  He was the beloved Pop-Pop to 9 grandchildren: Andrew, Julianna, Ashley, Morgan, Marissa, Hallie Marie, Alexandria, Kynan and Cadewryn and one great-grandchild.  He was also the brother of Theresa (Norman) Cella and the late Marie Asbell.

Frank attended high school in Brooklyn, NY. Soon after graduation, Frank served for two years in the US Coast Guard, 1958-1960, on the USCGC Arbutus based in Staten Island, NY and then two years in the US Navy Reserves. He then entered the police academy and fulfilled his ultimate desire to become a police officer. He served in Aberdeen, New Jersey for 25 years and rose to the rank of Sergeant. He retired in 1987.

Throughout his life, Frank fulfilled his other passion of being around water, whether it be during his years in the Coast Guard, sailing up and down the East Coast, or after his retirement, sailing throughout Maine. Over the years he built, rebuilt and modified many sail boats. His boats were fondly named: Gypsy, Sea Gypsy and Samurai, a 30 foot Piver trimaran.

From countless weekends on the boat with his family, to many trips helping others transport their boats up and down the East Coast, Frank was always most at home and at peace on the water. So much so that after many vacations to Downeast Maine, Frank and Pat left New Jersey and settled in Steuben, Maine in 1987. After a brief stint as the Blueberry Warden of Washington County, Frank worked for the US Navy at the Winter Harbor Naval Base, from 1989 to his second retirement in 2002.

Frank truly had a servant's heart. Throughout his life he made it a point to always help others and find a way to draw out the good from anyone. He was blessed to have a best friend, Paul, who is as kind and giving as he was.  Frank's kindness will always live on in the hearts of all of those that he touched.

The family would like to thank all their friends and neighbors who took such good care of Frank. In keeping with Frank's wishes, his ashes will be scattered on the outgoing tide at a future date. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation the Henry D. Moore library in Steuben, ME (A Maine Public Library: Maine State Library) or to your favorite charity in Frank's honor.