Robert "Bob" Noel French

Along the way he spent his youth in Newington, CT with Mom, Dad, Brother Dick and Sister Marge, who went home long before his leaving. Bob smiled when telling stories of his early years, such as driving a team of horses to Hartford. Following in his brother’s footsteps to the University of Connecticut, he fondly reminisced of his college days filled with fraternity pranks and long winter weekends skiing. A degree in accounting and work as an auditor led to many years with the Metropolitan District Commission of Hartford County, most of them as Treasurer; a position he held with pride and humility while raising his family in Hartford, CT.

With his wife of almost 60 years, Therese Messier French, who also went before him, they raised a family of five daughters – Margaret French, Kathryn French, Patricia Sevigny, Anne French Gardiner, and Mary Glod. The family expanded with the fellowship of sons-in-law Gerald Beltis, Marc Sevigny and Gregory Glod. In his work years, Bob’s family grew to include seven grandchildren – Michelle Delisle, Keith Sevigny, Sarah Gardiner, Lauren Gardiner, Correll French, Deanna Glod and Maria Glod, who have brought others to the family that, as of today, include Timothy Delisle and Jennifer Sevigny. Late in life he was then graced with the joy of sharing life with five great grandchildren - Jonathan Delisle, Andrew Delisle, Nicholas Delisle, Logan Sevigny, and Connor Sevigny.

With retirement coming into view Bob and Terry decided it was time to enjoy their life together on a corner lot in West Chatham, Massachusetts and built a three-bedroom home that initially overlooked the marsh. Those days are passed with the gain of wonderful neighbors who they spent time with over the years. Bob liked to putter, not the golf kind, in his yard. Early on there was, of course, a vegetable garden, and grew to include early spring plants. He tended Terry's favorite hydrangeas, and, with loving care, his magnificent heather hill. Early on he found peace and enjoyment raking for clams and seeking oysters in the beds of Chatham, alone and with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Many a night a bourbon was shared over raw Chatham oysters or Dad’s Clams Casino and whoever was visiting. At the age of 65 he reignited his love of skiing by joining the ski club. This began an almost 20-year, yes 20 year, friendship with Herb, John and Bill, with stories that proved the college pranks of yesterday still lived in them. They all continued skiing into their 80’s.

Bob always, always … enjoyed what life had given him. Now home, his journey with us at its end, he smiles, says good-bye, and wishes us well.

Visiting Hours will be held at Nickerson Funeral Home in Chatham, MA, Friday, May 6, 2022, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. A funeral mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, followed with the burial at Holy Trinity Cemetery will take place Saturday, May 7, 2022, 10:00AM in Harwich, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Broadreach Hospice would be welcome.