Major David Russell French

Major David Russell French, aged 70, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024, just four days shy of his 71st birthday. David was born on August 18,1953 in Homestead, Pennsylvania to Lt. Col. William Charles French and Patricia Penka Jordanoff French. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved grandmother, Diana Jordanoff Kaye, and his favorite uncle, Nicholas Jordanoff. David is survived by his wife, Barbara (née Fedison), his two daughters, who were his pride and joy, and their spouses: Eileen French Jordan and Patrick Jordan and Rachel French and Aaron Todaro. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Max Todaro, Will Todaro, and Pepper Jordan; his beautiful sisters and their families, Dianne French Melodia (Mark, Kate, Olivia) and Deborah French Gorman (Mark, Markie, Taylor, Connor); his cousins who were like his brothers, Nicholas Jordanoff (Stacy, Amanda), Gregory Jordanoff, and Iliya Jordanoff (Katie, Lily, Charlie); and many valued friends, who were his chosen family. David was a proud 20+ year veteran of the U.S. Army, Field Artillery. A widely loved and deeply respected leader in his unit and beyond, David received the The Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, reserved for those who have displayed exceptional and significant contributions to field artillery and devotion to their country. He also received significant honors from the The Society of American Military Engineers during his career. David’s military service was one of the true loves of his life. David’s career in the private sector led him to become a published author in the storm water management field. Later, he held executive level-leadership positions and was instrumental in key projects that helped shape the Pittsburgh region. After his retirement, he spent time consulting with some of his favorite colleagues and organizations and took time to spend with his beautiful wife and family. David had far too many hobbies and interests to list, but his love of music and of animals, especially his dogs, topped the list well into his retirement years. David was referred to affectionately as “The Legend” by many who knew him. His big bold personality, sharp wit and humor, infectious laugh and smile, slight twinkle of mischief, extreme love of Pittsburgh, devotion to his family, passion for rock n’ roll- particularly for The Who, and his warm welcoming nature will never ever be forgotten. The Who’s “My Generation” was a personal anthem for David. When hearing the opening lyrics of this rocker, it’s a sure bet that friends and family will forever hear his booming voice happily singing “People try to put us down (talkin' 'bout my generation) / Just because we get around (talkin' 'bout my generation) / Things they do look awful cold (talkin' 'bout my generation)/ I hope I die before I get old (talkin' 'bout my generation).” True to form, The Legend left us before he got old. He will be forever missed by those who love him. Relatives and friends received Wednesday, August 21, 2024, from 1-3 & 6-8 PM at McDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, 334 Forest Grove Road, Coraopolis (Kennedy Township) PA 15108. Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, August 22nd at 11am at the funeral home. Interment to follow in The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA at 1:30 PM with full military honors by the United States Army.Donations may be made in David’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org).