Paul R. French
October 15, 1942 ~ June 12, 2014
Paul R. French, 71, died Thursday, June 12, 2014 at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington following a brief illness. He was the loving husband of Barbara (Burns) French for 51 years.
Born in Boston on October 15, 1942, he was the son of the late Mark and Elsa (Sessler) French. He was raised in Danvers and was a graduate of Holten High School, Class of 1960 and UMASS Stockbridge, Class of 1962.
A Massachusetts State Police Officer for 40 years, Paul retired as a Lieutenant at A Troop Headquarters.
Paul was a longtime member and senior warden of All Saints Episcopal Church of the North Shore (formerly Calvary Episcopal Church) in Danvers. He was a member of the Morgensolen, VASA, and Birka Lodges. A Boxford resident for 43 years, he served on a number of town boards and committees.
In addition to his wife, he leaves: three daughters, Amanda French, Paula MacDonald and her husband Doug, and Erica French and her husband John Stavropoulos; two granddaughters, Aubrey and Helena MacDonald; his brothers Mark French, David French and his wife Dianne; and his sister-in-law Beth French. He was predeceased by his brother, John French.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 10 AM; visiting hours are Tuesday from 4-7PM, both at All Saints Episcopal Church of the North Shore, 46 Cherry Street, Danvers. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Paulfs favorite charities: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; the Nature Conservancy, 99 Bedford Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111; or All Saints Episcopal Church of the North Shore, P.O. Box 393, Danvers, MA 01923.
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Dear Amanda, Erika, Paula and Barbara,
It has been a privilege to witness the loving care you offered as you held vigil with your father/husband over the last 11 weeks. I am filled with awe and peace as I have come to know more of Paul through each of you.
Blessings to you as your hearts break and mend.
Marya
I am very sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Mr. French well but he was always very friendly and welcoming at Calvary Episcopal.
Paul was a very respectable man – He was very devoted to the Welcome Table – He along with his wife, daughter and granddaughters were all involved in – He was someone you could count on and has made a differance in my life and those who knew him – Thoughts and prayers are with Barbara – their daughters and son in laws and thier awesome granddaughters – Love to you all – Thank you Paul for all you did – You will be missed
We are saddened by the loss of this wonderful person much too early. He is in a better place and we all will miss him. Phil and Julie Tinkham
Lit a candle in memory of Paul R. French
My heart goes out to Barbara and her family. I’m stopped in my thoughts of Paul being gone. What a Great Man ! Paul will always be in my prayers . Thank you for all you have ever done .
My prayers are with you and your family for the loss of Paul.
Jessie Grace Smith, classmate 1960
Rest in peace Paul. The Decoteau family sends prayers to you and your family.
Barbara and Family, We will all miss Paul – he was a great guy. Although we are unable to be there, we will be thinking of you all and praying for you on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Julia and David.
To My Uncle Paul, Auntie Barbara, Erica, Paula and Mandy, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Paul was always such a great man to me. I am thinking of you all and send all of our love to you and your families. He will be greatly missed.
Love
Carol, Louie and David
Barbara and family i am so sorry to hear of your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family working at the Boxford Police Dept i would always run into Paul in the store or driving tru town may Paul Rest In Peace God Bless Him.
Joe Bogigian
My heart goes out to Paul’s entire family and his close friends. Skiing without him won’t be the same. I will remember his great smile and kindness to all.
Barbara, my heart and prayers are with you, family and close friends. Skiing will not be the same without Paul. I will miss his great smile and kindness. He was such a great guy. Peace and love.
Paul was a strong and caring man well loved by his family. I will always be grateful to him for fulfilling John’s last wish to be spread on one of the mountains that he loved to climb. Much love to the family.
Beth French
Dear Barbara Amanda Erica Paula I am very sorry your husband/ dad has passesd away. It was an honor for me to help in his care and also to get to know you. You shared some wonderful stories about Mr. French. I learned that he was a kind caring gentle loving person as were each of you. Most importantly I learned of his faith in Jesus. My prayers are with you at this sad time.
1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18.
Damie Curran, Respiratory Care
To everyone in the French family – I am so sorry for your loss. What a legacy Paul is leaving! He was a true gentleman and it was evident to me that he has passed on his generous spirit and caring manner to all of you, where it is alive and well! You have all been so supportive and so wonderful to him throughout his stay in our unit. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Robin Holmes, RN
Auntie Barbara,
My Uncle Paul was a wonderful man. He always made such effort to keep the families in touch and I will always be grateful for that. My love and prayers go out to you and the whole family in this difficult time.
Love,
Jenny