Francis X. Nevins

Francis X. Nevins, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, and proud Irish-American, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the arms of his loving wife, Kathleen Nevins. He was 90 years old.

Born on March 1, 1935, in Manhattan, New York, to James Patrick Nevins and Ann Theresa Gallagher, a native of County Mayo, Ireland. Raised in the neighborhoods of New York, he spent his childhood playing T-ball in the streets of Third Avenue, serving as an altar boy, and attending school at St. Vincent Ferrer and Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx.

Francis pursued higher education at Fordham University, earning both his bachelor's and master's degrees. He went on to become a beloved high school math teacher, remembered for his dedication to education and the care he showed every student.

A proud Irishman through and through, Francis was an avid snare drum player and a lifelong member of the New York Ancients Fife & Drum Corps. He marched in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade from childhood into adulthood. Francis was also the drum instructor for the Colonial Fife & Drum Corps of Eaton’s Neck, Long Island.

It was on one such snowy St. Patrick’s Day in New York that fate brought him to the woman who would become his beloved wife. Seeking cover from the snow in an Irish pub after the parade was canceled, he met Kathleen. From that moment, their story began. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, faith, music, laughter, and seven children.

Francis is preceded in death by two of his beloved children, Joseph and Deirdre, as well as his brother James Nevins who welcomed him in Heaven.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Kathleen Nevins, and their children: Patrick and his wife Kate of North Carolina; Ann and her husband Michael of Connecticut; Eileen and her husband Jimmy of Rhode Island; John and his wife Tracy of Connecticut; and Kathleen and her husband Eizo of North Carolina.

He was a proud grandfather to Danny, Timmy, Jessica, Ryan, Erin, Sean, Michael, Deirdre, Sheila, Siobhan, Neil, Emily, Laura, Renee, Nicole, and Natalie. His legacy also lives on through his 24 great-grandchildren, and is brother Richard and wife, Ann.

Francis’s life was deeply rooted in tradition, family, and faith, but he also had a remarkable gift for being the life of the party. He never missed a family event—and when he showed up, he brought the fun.

Francis leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those he held dear. His warmth, wisdom, and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to share in his remarkable life.