The following obituary was released by Gruerio Funeral Home:
Thomas J. French passed away Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015.
He was the father of Tommy Jr., and beloved husband of Claire Risoldi-French.
Find out what's happening in Doylestownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
He was born Dec. 4, 1950, in Philadelphia, to Thomas and Joan French. He grew up in Philadelphia. Tom joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served two tours of duty in Vietnam, from 1968 to 1970, and in the reserves until 1974, earning two Purple Hearts, other honors, and an honorable discharge with the rank of sergeant.
Tom was a skilled marksman and firearms expert. Upon completing his military service, Tom earned his college degree from Drexel University, and post-graduate degrees while working as an architect and large-project construction manager in the Philadelphia area and around the country. Tom then became employed by the Bucks County Sheriff’s Department as a ‘retirement’ job that became a 16-year labor of love, eventually earning the rank of lieutenant. Tom was a team leader for many years on the MIRT and SWAT teams, and was a member of the Bucks County Color Guard.
Find out what's happening in Doylestownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
When Tom retired from his ‘retirement’ job, he kept busy with his wine-making, gardening, orchards, woodworking, cooking, coin collecting, motorcycling, and travel. Tom was known and loved for being a kind and honorable person who would help anyone. Tom loved his pets, including his many Boxers, all named ‘Colonel.’
In addition to his son and widow, Tom is survived by his other ‘children’, Carl and Carla, their spouses, Sheila and Barry, and their children, Ava, Mia and Megan; and many colleagues and friends.
Friends are invited to attend a viewing at 9 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, followed by a High Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church, located at 5194 Cold Spring Creamery Road, Doylestown, followed by internment in Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown
RELATED STORIES:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
