Michael B. French

Michael B. French passed away peacefully on December 24, 2021 at Mercy House surrounded by family and in the thoughts and prayers of many.
Michael was born on September 26, 1946 to Catherine and Leon French, the eighth of nine children. He was raised with love and kindness, and he raised his own family in kind.
Michael graduated from Maine-Endwell High School. He was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. Following his time in the service, he attended Broome Community College and graduated from Central Connecticut University with a degree in Business. He then returned home to work at General Electric before spending the majority of his successful career with IBM in Endicott, NY, where he worked for over 30 years making many great friends.
He married his loving wife Kathleen in 1975 and enjoyed 46 years of marriage. Kathleen and Michael especially enjoyed traveling and ventured to many places near and far.
Faith was a cornerstone in Michael's life. Before his marriage, he attended St. Patrick's Church with Kathy. He had a deep respect for Msgr. Thomas Doran, who guided Michael through the sacraments and baptized him into the Catholic faith. He was a devoted member of The Church of the Holy Family and a member of the Holy Name Society. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels of Broome County for many years and especially liked coordinating and recruiting participants for the annual Meals on Wheels 5k Walk/Run. 
Michael was a natural athlete in all sports and excelled at football and wrestling in high school. He loved golf and played frequently with his dear friends Bill Sullivan and Jim Gonzalez. He became an avid runner and could often be seen in the neighborhood and beyond going for a run. Participating in the local races was a family affair with his daughters and sons-in-law. His family took pride in seeing him run faster than people half his age.
Most of all, Michael had a love of family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His grandchildren Opal and Oliver  brought him much happiness. On nice days you could find him and Kathleen chasing Opal on a playground. Knowing he would be a grandfather again in May brought him great joy. Spending time together as a family was always treasured. 
He was predeceased by his parents Catherine and Leon, his brothers, Bob, Willis, and Keith, brother-in-law Michael Corcoran, mother-in-law Lucille Cucci, and brother-in-law Daniel Cucci.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Kathleen (Cucci); his daughters Elizabeth (Christopher), and Kelly (Justin); and his granddaughter Opal and grandson Oliver, and baby Alexander Michael to be born in May. He is survived by his brother Lawrence (Fran) French, his sisters Gloria Corcoran, Betty (David) Wells, Sharon (Harry) Dodge, and Linda (Lee) Osborne, sister-in-laws Dorothy and Nancy French, brother-in-laws Sam (Pam) Cucci, Michael Cucci, and Jim Cucci (Kathy Guinan), and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
Michael was one in a million and will be missed by all who knew him.
The family would like to thank Dr. Martin Voss at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital for his guidance, the staff at Mercy House for the exceptional care Michael was given, countless family and friends, and especially Father Clarence Rumble, for all of their support.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Michael's memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering c/o Dr. Voss Kidney Cancer Research Development Fund (300 East 66th St 12th Fl, NY, NY 10065); St. Francis Ministry c/o Sister Anisia Muthoni 304 Oak Hill Ave., Endicott, NY 13760); or Mercy House of the Southern Tier (212 N.McKinley Ave., Endicott, NY 13760)
Calling hours will be at 10am followed immediately by a funeral mass on Monday, January 3, 2022 at the Church of the Holy Family located at3600 Phyllis Ave in Endwell, NY.  
 

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