Russell French

CHESHIRE- Russell French, 89, passed away, Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Apple Rehab in Middletown. He was predeceased by his wife Jane H. French in 2010 after 61 years of marriage.

Russell was born May 1, 1927, the son of the late Sydney and Mabel (Gamble) French. He was a longtime Litchfield and Cheshire resident. He and his family enjoyed over 50 years on Bantam Lake where he was an active member of the Bantam Lake Ski Club and Bantam Lake Protective Association. He enjoyed competitive water skiing and was a yearly participant in the Bantam Lake Ski Show. He was also a certified professional snow ski instructor and taught skiing in Vermont and CT. He participated in Senior Olympics until his 80's. He was also an accomplished pianist. Russell was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather to his extended family to whom he shared his passion of skiing and life.

Russell attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy and served in the US Navy. He was a veteran of WWII. He was vice-president of operations in the steel industry and a commercial real estate agent for Coldwell-Banker prior to his retirement.

Russell is survived by his son, Jeffery and Peggy French of Englewood Fl. and his daughters, Sherry French of NYC, NY, Connie and Jeff Smith of Bailey Island, ME, Michelle French Carroll of Cheshire, and Renee and David Turley of Durham; 12 grandchildren, and five great grandchildren . Russ was predeceased by his two older brothers, Raymond and Kingsley French and a sister, Jean Vezan.

A memorial service for Russell will be held at 10 am on April 29, 2017 at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Waterbury, 9 Holmes Ave. He will be buried with Full Military Honors at Hillside Cemetery, 76 Walnut St, Torrington, CT. Donations in his name may be made to the Bantam Lake Protective Association, PO Box 37, Morris, CT 06763.