**MEMORIAL SERVICE TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY....MAY 28 AT 10:30 AM AT THE WAVERLY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Richard Allen Stevens known by his family and friends as Dick, died at his home with his family by his side on Thursday May 26, 2011. He was born March 9, 1932 in Sayre, Pa to Charles and Olma (Weaver) Stevens of South Waverly, PA. Dick was a lifelong resident of South Waverly and graduated from Sayre High School in 1950 as First Team All-Valley Football. After graduation he married the love of his life Florence "Cindy" Stauffer Stevens on March 11, 1951 at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, in Waverly , NY.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents: Charles and Olma Weaver Stevens; step-mother Florence Stevens LoVecchio. Brothers: Charles William Stevens, Jr., William Paul Stevens and loving niece Marjorie Jane Stevens Hoag.
Dick is survived by his wife, of 60 years, Florence at home; children: Roxanne (John) Stevens Testen of South Waverly, Dorothy Stevens of Waverly, Cindy Stevens of Waverly, Richard (Laurie Zello) Stevens II of Waverly.
Grandchildren: Maureen "Molly" (Patrick) Stevens Abdalla of Hanover, PA, Christine Stevens of Waverly, NY, Jude Kane (Fiancée Nicole Harding) of Chicago, IL, Courtney Stevens of Waverly, NY, Grace Stevens, Hope Stevens, Faith Stevens and Richard A. Stevens III all of Waverly, NY
Siblings: Connie (Scott) Stevens Bodine of Barton and Donald (Norma) Stevens of Litchfield, PA
Sister and brother- in- law Donald and Dorothy Stauffer Woodcock of Waverly and sisters- in -law Marjorie Woodward Stevens and Phyllis Green Stevens.
Numerous nieces and nephews including William (Lori) Stevens Jr, Donanna Woodcock Sloat, Linda (Keith) Woodcock Wintenburg.
Dick retired from IBM Owego after 34 years as Project Coordinator and was a proud member of the Quarter Century Club. He was also a member of the Waverly United Methodist Church serving on its board of directors and church choir. He was a loyal member of the Waverly Lions Club, and was actively involved for many years in the Bradford County Democratic Party. He served on the Sayre School Board 1963 to 1966, and the South Waverly Borough Council along with being a member of the Sayre Redskin Club. He was a founding member of the Sayre Small Fry football program and coached Small Fry for many years. Dick was always a loyal Redskin, helping to mark the field before football games.
After his family , Dick's greatest pleasure was the Happy Days Band. Dick started playing the banjo at the age of 35, learning from Eddie Wilson. His love of music comes from his family background. Along with Ed Wilson, Dick and his brother, Bill, with friends Ed Bok and Ditto Brown started the Happy Days Band that entertained people for years adding many more members from the family who played an instrument or sang. The band always performed at every nursing home in the area yearly by singing and dancing to the music of the 1920s to the 1960s primarily focusing on Dixieland and Big Band sounds. Most of the bands performances were a contribution just to give the joy of music to others. The band was an off-shoot of the Minstrel productions that he put on at the Sayre High School in order to raise funds for the Sayre PTA from the years between 1963 through the 1970s. These performances were sold out in the Sayre High School Auditorium for two nights each year and included in the cast many Valley people who sang, danced and told jokes to the delight of the audience. Besides his family, this was the love of his life. Whether it was singing in church, playing with his band or performing some of his stand up comedy routines, Dick was a true showman.
Later in life he continued his contributions to community service by devoting time to the Waverly Lions Club and the United Methodist Church of Waverly. Both remained dear in his heart. Whether he was setting up for the annual book sale, barbecuing ribs and chicken at the church or preparing for Tinsel and Light's Santa he gave it his all.
As much as Dick loved his children, he adored his grandchildren and they were he light of his life, giving him much joy as they all spent endless hours with him. They were lucky to have such a grandfather.
There will be a period of visitation on Friday May 27, 2011 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at the Waverly United Methodist Church, Chemung St. Waverly. A memorial service celebrating his life and many accomplishments will be held on Saturday May 28, 2011 at 10:30AM at the Waverly United Methodist Church. Chemung St. Waverly with Rev. Anne Canfield officiating. Burial will take place at the family's convenience in the Glenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Waverly United Methodist Church (158 Chemung St. Waverly, NY 14892), Waverly Lions Club (PO Box 74 Lowman, NY 14861) The Sayre Historical Society (103 N. Lehigh Ave. Sayre, PA. 18840).
Memories and condolences for Dick's family may be shared by visiting our website at www.tiogapointcremation.com. Caring assistance is being provided by the Cooley-Tioga Point Cremation and Burial Options, Inc., 802 N. Main St., Athens, PA 18810.