John P. French

1930 - 2018

John P French of Orleans died peacefully at home on January 1, surrounded by his family and friends. John was born in Kansas City, MO on January 19, 1930. He received his BA degree in journalism from Washington & Lee University in 1950. He was a professed, resident member of the Community of Jesus, an ecumenical Benedictine community in Orleans. There he made his solemn profession in 2005 and spent the next twelve years giving freely of his gifts and passions, sharing his faith through the many outreaches there. John was the husband of Nancy Barry Harsh of Memphis, TN. to whom he was married until her death in 2005. He is survived by his present wife, Mary Florence Haig; and his three children Nancy Belinda Schmitt of Orleans, Martha Malone Roberts of Tulsa, OK, and John Philip French, Jr. of Scottsdale, AZ; by his grandchildren, Kelly Belinda Molique, John Frederick Schmitt, III, David George Schmitt, John Mathew Roberts, Jr., Malone Barry Phillips, Cassidy Alexandar Evans, Rylee French; and by his great grandchildren, Elizabeth Kelly Molique, Erik Albert Molique, and John Frederick Schmitt IV. He is also survived by his brother, William Henson French, of Apache Junction, AZ. He concluded his illustrious professional career serving on the board of directors of numerous organizations: Luce Press Clippings, Dope Stop, Community of Living Water, Bayside Community Mortgage Company, Community of Jesus, Glori Dei Artes Foundation, and Orleans Church Building Foundation. Formerly he was President and CEO of Avocational Guidance, Inc., of Computer Research, Inc., of Newsworthy Names, and of United National Life Insurance Co. John also served on the directorships of International Fellowship of Christians & Jews, Hope Community Centers, Samaritan Counseling Centers, Council of National Policy, and Episcopalians United for Revelation, Renewal, and Reformation. For many years, John served as Chairman of the Board for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, a non-profit organization that reflected his deep love and support for Israel and the Jewish people. Johns funeral service will be held at the Church of the Transfiguration at Rock Harbor in Orleans on Wednesday, January 3, at 11:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made to the Community of Jesus, P.O. Box 1094, Orleans, MA 02653 and Arts Empowering Life Foundation, 1732 1 st avenue, #27457, New York, NY 10128.