STEVENS, MICHAEL

On October 26, 2023, Michael Leroy Stevens, 81, passed away at his home in Atlantic Beach, FL, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to John and Jean Stevens, who raised him in Olean, NY. After graduating high school in 1959, Mike joined the US Navy and served for 3.5 years where one of his first duty stations was Jacksonville, FL. He served in the reserves from 1963-1965, and re-enlisted in the Navy in 1965 for the Vietnam War where he served two tours. His duty stations included Brooklyn Navy Yard, Memphis, San Diego, Whidbey Island, Pax River, NAS Jacksonville VP-56 and VP-30, Honolulu, and special projects at the Pentagon. He was always in aviation as air crew and advanced electronics and his only tour on a Navy vessel was on the USS Yorktown’s last cruise. He retired as a Senior Chief in 1984 after 24 years of service. He then went on to retire from the US Postal Service as a mail processing equipment mechanic after 20 years.

Mike loved all things cars, enjoyed fishing, eating sushi, playing baseball, watching any and all sports, drinking Johnny Walker Black, loving pets and getting to know people. He was the Mayor of Third Street in Atlantic Beach as the beach was his happy place, and he taught his kids and grandkids to love it as well. His faith was Episcopalian and Mike had a personal relationship with Jesus. Mike was a role model, a moral compass, a loyal friend and loving person. He was a fierce protector and taught his family to follow their hearts and to always do the right thing although it may be hard. Even in death he is giving by donating his body to science.

He is preceded in death by his mother Jean Marion Stevens, father John Wheeler Stevens, biological father Joseph Russell Coletti, brother Perry Lee Stevens, son Kirk Landon Stevens, grandson Joseph Edwards, granddaughter Lanna Michelle, great grandson, Isaiah, and ex-wife Carolyn Sharpton Cirrincione. He is survived by his wife, Connie, son John Michael Stevens (Tina), son Travis Craven (Juliette), daughter Jill Renee Martin (Bob), daughter Heidi Edwards, daughter Ginny Reynolds (Billy), 19 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

Services will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023, at 11:30 am, at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville FL 32218. A reception to honor Mike’s life will be held immediately afterwards at the Greater Beaches VFW Post 3270, 915 8th Avenue South, Jacksonville Beach FL 32250.