John "Jack" Gerard French

John (“Jack”) Gerard French, age 69, most recently of Westchester, Illinois, formerly of Oak Park and Hillside, passed away early in the morning on November 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and sons.

Jack was born on March 9, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois, to Edward and Dolores French. “Jack” was a family nickname passed down from his grandfather, whom he was also named for — a man he adored and spent many childhood summers with in Door County, Wisconsin. That connection shaped him. Door County became one of the great centers of his life. Jack and his wife Candy later rebuilt the family retreat to create a home where their own children and grandchildren could continue the tradition.

From an early age, Jack was a tinkerer. He had a craftsman’s touch — careful, patient, and precise — approaching every project with pride and a genuine love for fixing and building. If something needed doing, Jack simply made sure it happened. His memory for the mechanics of things was so sharp that he could talk others through the details of fixing something without needing to see or touch it. He loved people through action, tending to their needs with a selflessness that defined him, especially when it came to his family.

Jack dedicated an impressive five decades to the fire sprinkler industry, eventually becoming the co-owner of a fire sprinkler company that later merged into a larger operation. Over the years, he took on roles across nearly every aspect of the field — designing systems, managing operations, and mentoring young professionals. Jack developed a reputation for his deep knowledge of Chicago fire codes and for the way he taught others: not by giving easy answers, but by acting as a guide to finding real solutions. He was respected across job sites and offices alike for his honesty, clarity, and quiet leadership. His devotion to the fire safety industry became a family legacy, carried forward by his wife and their kids in their own careers and support of the field.

Jack met the love of his life, Candace (“Candy”), on a blind date arranged by their dear friends. Their first date — a mix of circus fun and Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder — was the beginning of a relationship rooted in laughter, warmth, and Jack’s distinct sense of humor, mostly delivered in the form of dad jokes. Candy and Jack went on to build a life together, their Oak Park home filled with three boys and the love, stability, and joy they created as a family.

As a father and grandfather, Jack was loving, involved, and unwavering in his support — shaping his sons’ lives with his presence and delighting in the chance to do the same with his grandsons. Even during demanding stretches of work, he made time for bakery trips, parks, coaching, and weekend adventures with his boys. He volunteered across their schools and sports programs, where he supported youth football, hockey, and t-ball. Jack loved his grandchildren — three boys, just like the sons he raised — and cherished every moment he had with them.

Throughout his life, Jack found happiness in simple, grounding joys: golfing with friends in his two weekly leagues, fishing trips — especially with his sons — long walks, bonfires, and ample time outdoors. He perfected a Christmas prime rib that was a highlight of the season for those lucky enough to taste it, hosted memorable fish frys using the bounty of Door County catches, and found fulfillment in the routines that made up family life.

Jack was honest, hardworking, loyal, and light-hearted. He didn’t care for drama and preferred a life centered on family, integrity, and helping others. Jack showed up for his loved ones, always, without hesitation. His sons trusted his calm way of thinking things over and returning later with the thoughtful guidance they needed.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife Candace, née Kucera, loving father of Ronald (Samantha) French, Daniel (Madeline) French and Kyle (Cayla) French, cherished grandfather of Teddy, Jack, and Wally, dear brother of Patricia (Thomas), Terrance (Allegra), Mary (Kent) and the late Michael, and fond uncle of many.

He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s honor can be made to Camp I Am Me Illinois Fire Safety Allianceand Shriners Children's Hospital