Joseph Raymond French

Joseph R. French, age 92, of Fairfield, beloved husband of Helen A. French (Dolengiewicz), passed away peacefully Monday, May 23, 2016 at the Ludlow Health Center 1 day after celebrating his 68th wedding anniversary. Born in Bridgeport the son of the late Joseph and Mary "Mae" (Everett) French, he had been a Fairfield resident since 1952. Mr. French proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II performing anti-submarine operations aboard Sub-Chaser 709. Following the war he was employed by Chance-Vought, and later was employed by Sikorsky Aircraft retiring as a Machine Shop Foreman following 42 years of dedicated service. He was a member for over 60 years of Fidelity-St. John's Lodge # 3 A.F. & A.M. and a member of the Scottish Rite. Mr. French was a member for many years of the B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge #2220, Fairfield, as well as Port 5 Naval Veterans, Bridgeport, and a member of Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church. He loved Big Band music especially Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, watching classic movies, and was recognized by the American Red Cross for donating 100 pints of blood. Following his retirement, he and other Sikorsky retirees dedicated much of their time renovating the Sikorsky VS-44A Excambian World War II era flying boat which was recommissioned in 1998, and is currently displayed in the New England Air Museum. Survivors in addition to his loving wife Helen include three devoted sons, Glenn E. French and his wife Anne French of Fairfield, Mark L. French of Fairfield, and Kevin S. French and his wife Carole of Trumbull; four grandchildren, Michael Joseph French, Suzanne French, Mitchell French and Chrissy Smith; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Everett French and George French. A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield with the Rev. Kun Sam Cho officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call Friday from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, CT Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com