In Memoriam: James C. French

From Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home.

James C. French passed away Jan. 24, 2016 after a short illness in Stamford. He was 91.

He was an incredibly talented and beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather.

Born in Worcester, MA August 25th 1924 to James Sr. and Delia French of Killarney, Ireland he had an incredibly full life serving his country in combat, his church and his community and adopted home of 60 years Stamford.

In WWII he served as a 1st Lt. Bombardier and Navigator in the 15th Air Force flying dozens of missions over Italy, Germany, Austria and Poland in a B-17.

After the war he got his first 2 degrees from Clark University before moving to Stamford and working as an executive for American Cyanamid while going on to get his MBA from NYU. A favorite story told is when he got off the train in Stamford for the first time he went to Curley’s and decided to stay. Jim loved living on Bell Island and in Old Greenwich before settling down and starting a family.

In 1959 he married Mary Elizabeth ‘Betty’ French the love of his life. James was involved greatly with his church and diocese from being a founding parishioner of St. Leo’s Church to holding many lay posts, was Holy Name Societies Man of the Year and all culminating with being an architect and early President of the Stamford Catholic Regional School System. Until recently he still served faithfully as an usher at St. Leo’s.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary, His Sons: Chris, wife Mary and Granddaughter Kiera of New York City, David of Stamford, Tim, wife Pam and Granddaughter Charlotte of Chicago and Robert and Wife Carolyn of New York City.

James was predeceased by his son Richard, brother Patrick, Sisters Marion, Kate and Eileen.

Surviving him also are his Sister-in-Law Pat, Nieces and Nephews and their children and grandchildren.

He loved them all dearly. For his 90th birthday four generations made it to the old family house in Westover.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Leo’s Church, 24 Roxbury Rd., Stamford on Jan. 27 at 11:30 AM. There will be visitation from 9:30 to 11 AM at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St., Stamford, prior to the funeral Mass. Interment will be at St. John’s Roman Catholic cemetery, 25 Camp Ave., Darien.

Any donations James would have wanted to go to the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. Information is on their website: www.foodbanklfc.org.