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Bruce French Obituary
Bruce Harold French, 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Prattsburgh, NY, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Bruce was born on October 26, 1948, in Kentville, Nova Scotia, to Harold and Elsie French. One of four children, he moved with his family to Candia, New Hampshire, in 1955. There, he grew up and attended Manchester Memorial High School.
Bruce graduated from the University of New Hampshire and went on to complete Officer Candidate School, launching a distinguished career as a pilot in the United States Air Force. Bruce flew both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, most notably the C-141 transport plane. He served his country with honor and distinction, earning numerous military decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal and two Air Medals.
Following his first retirement from the Air Force, Bruce and his wife, Marjorie, moved to Prattsburgh, NY, where they began restoring an old farmhouse. He found joy in the beauty of the Finger Lakes region, where he indulged his love for the outdoors-hunting, fishing, and swapping stories over a game of cards. Bruce was also a devoted fan of all Buffalo and Boston sports teams.
In 2001, Bruce returned to active duty, serving an additional four years with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He retired a second time in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of service, and dedication.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Marjorie French; his sister, Suzanne Marmuscak; two brothers, Tom (Diane) French and Mark French; two sons, Nathan (Linda) French and Matthew (Cama) French; and four beloved granddaughters: Courtney, Vivian, Marina, and Amelia French. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Bruce cherished his family above all, and he took great pride in the lives and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., AVOCA, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bruce's memory to huntingwithheroes.org
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Bruce's family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Bruce are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce French
4 Entries
David Rousseau
April 18, 2025
Tommy and Mark, I´ll be saying a prayer for brother Bruce and his family and friends.
Pamela Comstock
April 17, 2025
Dear French family. So sorry to hear of your brothers passing. We grew up with all of you in Candia. Those were great days. May he RIP. Pamela Russell Comstock.
Charlene
April 16, 2025
My deepest sympathies to the French family. Bruce was a nice person and I must say he had a great career MMHS is proud.
RIP Bruce
Charlene (Roy) Ouellette
Class of `66
Robert D Machain
April 16, 2025
Mr. French, Thank you for your service RDM Windham NH
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