Gary R. French

Gary French Obituary

WHITEHALL Gary R. French, 66, of Boardman Street, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007, at the Saratoga Hospital from complications of COPD. He was born on Aug. 7, 1941, in Schenectady, the son of the late New York State Trooper Sgt. Kenneth A. French and Grayce (Runyan) French. Gary married his high school sweetheart, Mary V. Blankchen, on Oct. 12, 1963. They celebrated their 44th anniversary on Oct. 12 of this year. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Keith French and Kenny French. He is survived by his wife, Mary (Blankchen) French of Whitehall; two sons, Mark French and his wife, Angela, and their two children, Nicholas and Grayce, of Saratoga Springs and Scott French and his wife, Joey, and their two children, Bixby and Travis of Los Angeles, Calif.; two sisters-in-law, Joan Smith of Colonie and Shirley DeStafeno of Castleton, N.Y.; several nephews, cousins and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church in Whitehall with the Rev. Michael Flannery, pastor, officiating. Family and friends may call at the Jillson Funeral Home, Inc., 46 Williams St., Whitehall, on Friday, Nov. 16, 2007, from 4 to 8 p.m. A gathering for family and friends will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, at the Bay View Gardens, Route 22 North, Whitehall, at noon to celebrate Gary's life. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Saratoga Hospital to include Hospice of Saratoga Hospital and the doctors of Pulmonary Associates of Saratoga for their kindness, support and true love for our entire family during this trying time.

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Published by Post-Star on Nov. 16, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary French

12 Entries

Amanda leavitt

November 17, 2007

This is so sad to read about.
I didn't know gary,i knew keith though so it's sad to hear about.
keith and my grandfather were very good friends so i knew him well...im sorry to hear about gary.
god bless. =/

Megan Blankley

November 17, 2007

Gary was one of my favorite customers when I worked at Cvs Pharmacy. He always had a wonderful cheery attitude even though at times I'm sure he struggled to stay so positive. His great personality will be missed. My condolences to all of his family, he often spoke of how wonderful you all are. So sorry for your loss.

Phillip Neddo

November 17, 2007

Dear Mary and Family,
Phil and I were unable to make the services for Gary. We do want you know however you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
In Sympathy,
Phil and Barb Neddo

Donna (Rehm) Burge

November 17, 2007

I am sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was my Dad's (Alton Rehm) best friend for a very long time. Now they are rejoined again and having coffee in heaven. My thoughts are with you.

Christine (DeGraff) Stark

November 17, 2007

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Robert Brileya

November 16, 2007

Mary
Sorry to see that Gary passed. Take comfort in the 44 years that you spent together

Jamie & Hank Marler

November 16, 2007

Mary, Scott, and Mark
Just wanted to let you know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Dena Ackerman

November 16, 2007

Mark, Angela and the entire French family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this very difficult time. Our love to you all.

Dena, Mike, Courtney & Kyle Ackerman

Kim Lewis

November 16, 2007

Dear Mark and Family,
My heart goes out to you and your family. You know I loved "Papa French".
Love Kim

Theresa Casola

November 16, 2007

I'll miss you Gary you were my niegbhor and and my friend. I'll never forget you.
God saw you getting tired,When a cure was not to be.So he gave you rest,He wrapped his arms around you and whispered," come to me ."
God's garden must be beautiful,He only takes the best.
I love you Gary My Friend.

Jim Chandler

November 16, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Stacey Doty-Petrikas

November 16, 2007

Mrs. French, Mark, and Scott:

I am so very sorry for your loss. There are no words which will ease the pain but please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

I have fond memories of your Dad he was always there to greet you with a smile and a warm hello. He will be truly missed.

I hope the attached poem helps in some small way:

All Is Well

Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household world that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It it the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.

Henry Scott Holland
1847-1918