Eric Paul French

On April 1, 2021, surrounded by his loving family, Eric “Rick” Paul French of Fairfax, Virginia left this world a better place than it was when he entered it. He was born on January 15, 1949, in Massena, New York to Audrey M. Carmichael and Watson P. French. He attended elementary school in Massena and Rochester and later moved to Arlington where he ran a successful paper route for the Washington Post and The Evening Star. He attended Stratford Junior High and spent one year at W&L High School where he played varsity baseball as a freshman. His family moved to Fairfax and he was a member of the Fairfax High School Class of 1967 yet completed graduation in 1968 due to a serious car accident his senior year. This afforded him the opportunity to build many additional life-long friendships and meet his future wife and best friend, Patricia “Patti” Weese.

Married on July 25, 1969, Rick and Patti have had an eternal bond for nearly 52 years. They are true soulmates. Having grown together from a very young age and through the ups and downs of life they have always respected, supported and balanced each other. They have cherished every stage of life and their deep love is apparent to everyone who knows them. They were blessed with three children and their spouses: Debbie (Doug) Bymers, South Riding, Virginia; Eric (Ansley) French, Gainesville, Virginia; Kara (Jay) Custis, Fairfax, Virginia. As well as nine grandchildren: Emily, Mallory and Megan Bymers; Layla and Dylan French; Leah, Andrew, Ryan and Wyatt Custis.

Rick began his career at Honeywell as a draftsman while attending Northern Virginia Community College before deciding on a career as a Masonry Contractor. For over 40 years he and his company built numerous hotels, schools/daycares, homes, and other masonry works of art throughout Northern Virginia and the DC Metro area. Many who know him are also fortunate to enjoy his work at their homes. In 2003 Rick became a Grandpa for the first time and was a natural for the part. Every grandchild that joined the family became the highlight of his life and after he retired he spent many days at home running Grandpa’s Daycare which included four-wheeler rides, music & history lessons, playing with tools in the shed and rocking to sleep in the recliner.

During his leisure time he played ice hockey, baseball, softball, and was an avid bowler. He coached countless baseball teams for his 3 children, from T-ball to Legion ball, spanning two decades. As a baseball fan he could be found watching the Reds, Orioles, and later the Nationals. Having grown up in Massena and Rochester, New York he brought a love of hockey with him when he moved to Virginia. A Capitals fan from the beginning, he never missed a game.

Rick was also a history enthusiast who enjoyed studying ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Aztecs and Mayans as well as the assassination of JFK. As a music afficionado Rick owned an extensive catalog ranging from blues to country to jazz to rock to zydeco- you could always count on a tune playing in his backyard when you stopped by. He made live music a weekly part of his life by listening at one of his favorite local spots and often jumping in to participate on drums. He began playing drums in high school and worked in many bands for nearly half a century. Rick was passionate about gathering friends and family together, organizing many reunions and get-togethers and was always the last man standing at the party.

He and Patti, and often with their children and grandchildren, enjoyed traveling to their favorite places including Quebec, Canada, beaches of the Eastern Shore, Key West, ruins in Mexico, traveling by cruise ship, and embarking on several multi-state adventures throughout the US.

We know his friends will miss him dearly and his family will miss him immensely as he is the pillar in our lives. What joy he brought to everyone he knew with his endless collection of stories, astute humor, infectious laugh and generous heart. We love you Rick, Dad & Grandpa!