CHATEAUGAY—Robert V. French, 83, 195 Lake Road, Chateaugay, and formerly of Norfolk, died on 6/23/2012 in Chateaugay.

He is survived by his wife, Diane LaRose French, Chateaugay, six sons, Dennis and Judy French, Canastota, NY; Rick and Ray French, Keeseville, NY; Timothy and Sandy French, Michael, Jeffery and Christopher John, all of Virginia; five daughters, Judy Carollo, Snowflake, AZ; Susan and Larry Langley, Ogdensburg, NY; Connie and Jeff Tirnin, Waddington, NY; Bonnie and Michael Wilson and Debbie French, both of Virginia. Bob also has two step-children, Nancy and Martin Berger, Norfolk and Carla and Walter Koskey, Monticello, NY and nineteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. Bob is survived by one sister, Helen Brothers, Potsdam. Bob was pre-deceased by his parents, four sisters, Hattie Starks, Louise Munson, Marion Jackson Jeffreys and Ida Shantie and his six brothers, John, Harvey, Francis, Melvin, William and Arthur French.

Born in Ogdensburg on June 20, 1929 to the late Homer and Mae Deroushe French and marriage to Janet Ward ended in divorce. He later married Diane LaRose on December 5, 1976. Bob was self-employed for much of his life. He owned and operated French's Repair Shop on West Main Street as well as The Coach Inn on Main Street in Norfolk. He worked construction on the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Marcy Power Lines throughout New York State. Bob will be remembered for his many good works, helping raise money for the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Squad, the Ice Storm and Fire victims, as well as the Hope Lodge in Burlington, VT. Bob also designed and built the Memorial Park in downtown Norfolk. He will best be known for his shuffleboard skills.

Burial was made in Visitation cemetery in Norfolk.

Monday, 6/25/2012 Watertown, NY, Times