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John French Obituary
"Jack" was born on January 10th, 1920 in Arlington, Massachusetts to the late James M. and Elizabeth French (formally Crooks). He attended Wentworth Institute of Technology after high school. He was then trained as a pilot for the Army Air Corps and served in WWII with many decorations to his credit. His favorite plane was the B24 which saw him through 35 successful combat missions. He is probably most famous for his role in the Kassel Mission and the lives he saved. Lieutenant Colonel John E French Sr. retired in 1979 after 37 years of service. Jack also worked as a commercial airline pilot for Northeast Airlines which became Delta Airlines. He retired in December 1979 after 38 years in the sky.
Some of his favorite hobbies were woodworking, building model cars & airplanes and watching automobile racing. Jack enjoyed boating, gardening and traveling around the world with his wife Elaine, who he fondly called "Lovey".
He is pre-deceased by his sister, "Betty" Lewis and brothers Philip and Dick. Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 39 years, Elaine F French and 5 sons; John E French, Jr. of Pierre, SD; James R French and his wife Janice, of Mason, NH; David R French and his wife Susan, of Grafton, MA; Dennis J French and his wife Suzanne, of Candia, NH; Steven N French and his wife Karen of Epping, NH. He also had 8 grandchildren; Donna Spencer & Jennifer Dixon; Kenneth French; Matthew, Erin and Christopher French; Nicole & Brianna French. He had one great-grandchild; Tyler Spencer.
A memorial will be held Saturday June 22, 2013 in Candia, NH.
If you wish to make a donation in Jack's name; please consider the Alzheimer's Association or the Breast Cancer Society to donate to your local chapter.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John French
Patricia Chute Sapir
June 22, 2013
Dear Family, especially "Miss Foisey",
Sorry for your loss. Captain French was such a nice man, very kind & thoughtful.
Patricia Chute Sapir
Bos/610
June 21, 2013
Great Guy, Great pilot. Enjoyed riding skidoos long ago.
mcf
Lisa and Lance Larrabee
June 21, 2013
Dennis and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Nina McGrane
June 21, 2013
To all the family and esoecially Eline I send my deepest regets. Jack was such a kind and gentle man. Fly safe my friend.
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Kathleen Burke Jacobs
June 21, 2013
Jack was the definition of "Gentleman". It was always a good ride with Captain French up front. My deepest sympathy to Elaine and family.
Rollin Jackson
June 20, 2013
On behalf of the Delta Golden Wings, Inc. membership I send our deepest condolences. Jack will be missed by his many living friends and those who knew and flew the line with him. May God's blessings be with each survivor as you make adjustment to his passing and into your tomorrows.
Rollin A. Jackson, Jr., DGW Secretary
Bob Patrick
June 20, 2013
It was certainly a pleasure having your friendship Jack,enjoyed the many years flying with you as an engineer on the DC-6 and as your co-pilot on the 727.
I Thank You for sharing your knowledge and experience with me.
Sincerely
Bob Patrick
Tom and Deanna Tutton
June 20, 2013
One of the nicest men that God ever let walk the earth. It was so nice to enjoy he and Elaine whenever we got to visit them. They broke the mold after they were married. There will never be another couple like them and their family. Have a safe flight west my friend. We loved you!
Les and Nancy Dixon
June 20, 2013
Jennifer Dixon and the French family, we send our deepest regrets in your loss. Our prayers are with you at this sad time.
June 20, 2013
Steve & family, we are sorry for the loss of your father. Our thoughts are with you at this time. With love, Bob & Debbi Wyman
Nick Deleo`
June 20, 2013
There is only one statement for Jack, He was a sweetheart to be next to.
A soft landing, Jack.
Keener White
June 20, 2013
I flew with Jack at Northeast Airlines. He was always the nicest Captain to work with. Jack always backed up his crew. I am glad that I got to know him.
Diane French
June 20, 2013
My condolence and Prayers go out to the family. Grief can be hard, but memories help you cope. I know Jack will be missed.
Angela Baslow
June 20, 2013
Jack was an amazing and loving man with whom I was blessed to share an amazing year with. He and Elaine had become family to me, and though it was my "job" to assist them in their home, they were always so loving and accepting of me. My only regret is that I was not able to spend more time with Jack towards the end. I will forever remember his infectious smile and the way he called me "kid". He and Elaine's love and devotion to each other, and Jack's love of his children stands as an example to me in my life. Everyone wants the unending love that Jack and Elaine shared. He was SOOOO proud of his boys and the wonderful, amazing men they had become, and the wonderful lives they built. We often had many discussions about his kids, and how Jack "taught them all they knew". He always spoke of you boys with a smile on his face, a light of pride in his eyes, and a light heart. I will miss him incredibly, and I thank you all for the chance to know him, help him and learn from him. My sincerest condolences and love goes out to you all, as you as well became my extended family....
Joe Bilodeau
June 20, 2013
Steve,
Our thoughts are with you and your brothers on your loss of your Dad. As I read he lived a long and accomplished life. If only we could all be as lucky.
Hope you are all well.
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