Longtime island resident Francis Joseph Loverich, age 84, died Jan. 31 at Island Health and Rehabilitation.

He was born Aug. 18, 1917 on Bainbridge Island to Thomas and Christina (Cosulich) Loverich.

He graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1936 and began his career as an apprentice shipbuilder for Martinolich Shipyard in Tacoma.

He specialized in wooden fishing boats, but also was a part of the war effort building wooden mine sweepers and supply vessels.

He continued at Martinolich Shipyards in San Francisco and San Diego, building sardine and tuna vessels, until moving back to Bainbridge in 1951.

There he was employed by Commercial Ship Repair on Bainbridge, then by Puget Sound Bridge and Dry Dock and Lockheed shipyards in Seattle.

He retired in 1982 after several years with Martinolich Shipyard building steel fishing vessels and tugs in Tacoma. He also spent time as a commercial fisherman in Kodiak, Alaska and later in Puget Sound during his retirement.

He enjoyed working with wood building boats, making models, helping build his sons’ houses and installing hardwood floors. He also enjoyed boats and fishing, as well as his garden.

He is survived by Elaine, his wife of 59 years; three sons, Gary (Betty) and Wayne (Mari), both of Bainbridge Island, and Edward of Everett; and 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A rosary will be said at St. Cecilia Catholic Church 7 p.m. Feb. 6, with mass at 10 a.m. Feb. 7. Burial will be at Port Madison Cemetery on Bainbridge Island.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kass Funeral Home.