William Edward French

Genesee, PA - William Edward French, 79, of 175 Commercial Street passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at Jones Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on November 5, 1938 in Wellsville, the son of Harold and Helen (Spencer) French. On October 5, 1963 at Sacred Heart Church in Genesee, Pennsylvania he married Mary Swartout who survives.

Bill was a 1956 graduate of Genesee High School. He served with the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1962. He later served with the U.S. Navy Reserves for two years, followed by 15 years with the U. S. Air Force Reserves; retiring as Master Sergeant. He was employed at Air Preheater in Wellsville for 36 years, retiring in 2001. He then worked for Fisher’s Pharmacy in Wellsville for many years. 

He was a member, Eucharist Minister, and usher for Sacred Heart Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1355 in Coudersport, PA, the Olean Assembly 721, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 530 in Shinglehouse, PA, the VFW Post 2530 in Wellsville, the NRA, the Air Force Sergeants Association, and volunteered at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry in Wellsville. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, traveling, bird watching, long walks with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities. Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and was very proud of his family.

Surviving in addition to his wife, is one son, Scott (Vicky) French of Derrick City, PA, a daughter, Lori (Greg) Elliott of Wellsville, two granddaughter, Teresa Elliott and Jennifer (Robb Fuller) Elliott, two grandsons, Jason and Patrick French, a great-grandson, Rory Fuller, a sister, Anna (Gordon) Cook of Wellsville, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents, by a son, Shaun Michael French.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, November 26, 2017 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc. in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 27th at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church in Genesee with Fr. Joseph Dougherty and Fr. Leo Gallina concelebrating. Burial, with military honors will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Kinney, PA. Please consider memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.