Walter Frank French, Sr.

Walter Frank French, Sr., 93, of Bayberry Commons Nursing Facility; Pascoag, Rhode Island; formerly of Cumberland, Rhode Island and Plainville; died on Sunday, July 22, 2012 at the facility surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Rita Bertha (Chabot) French to whom he was married on April 27, 1946 and whom he treasured, worshipped and adored. Born in Plainville, Massachusetts on August 6, 1918, he was a son of the late Waldo Rufus and Madeleine (Donnelly) French. He resided in Plainville for most of his life. Mr. French proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. He enlisted on January 4, 1943 and served until his date of separation on November 7, 1945 with the rank of Corporal with the 965th FA Battalion. He served in numerous campaigns including those in Ardennes, Northern France; Rhineland; Central Europe and Normandy. He was the recipient of the Presidential Unit Citation, American Service Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. On August 13, 2010, Mr. French received a letter from President Barack Obama extending his warmest wishes for his service in the United States Army with honor, courage and distinction. He was employed as an industrial chemist for C. Ray Randall Manufacturing in North Attleboro for more than 45 years prior to his retirement in 1985. He was a communicant of St. Martha Parish, Plainville. Mr. French was an ardent Boston Red Sox fan with a lifelong love for baseball legend, Ted Williams. He adored his wife's cooking and a favorite pastime was spending time with family enjoying Sunday dinner. In addition to his wife of 66 years, he leaves eight children: Walter F. French, Jr. of Pascoag, Rhode Island; David L. French of North Attleboro; Linda R. Campbell of Warwick, Rhode Island; Gary R. French of Lillian, Alabama; Dale T. French of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Nancy M. Harding of Douglas; Marie D. Smith of Warwick, Rhode Island and Kathy A. Linfield-Acheson of Norton; 15 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; his siblings: Jeannette Nowick on Cape Cod; Barbara French of Plainville and Jean French on Cape Cod and several nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. He was the brother of the late Arlene French, Doris French, Elizabeth French, Milton French, Arthur French, Harry French, Raymond French, Donald R. French, William French, Lester French and Howard French. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation with Veteran's Honors on Thursday, July 26, 2012 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on the left) Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. For those in need of a ride to visitation, simply call the funeral home directly at (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to the funeral with Veteran's Honors on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 9:15 AM from the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on the left) Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St. Martha Roman Catholic Church, 227 South Street, Plainville with the Rev. William Lohan, officiating. Private burial with military honors will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Children's room available during visitation and while the cortege is being organized. Flowers are accepted or memorial donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund c/o Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. To send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online register book located on the internet at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.