| Date of Birth | October 26, 1946 |
| Passed Away | April 9, 2025 |
| Service Date | April 15, 2025 |
| Service Time | 02: 00 PM |
| Service Location | Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., AVOCA, NY. |
Bruce H. French
October 26, 1948 – April 9, 2025
PRATTSBURG – Bruce Harold French, 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Prattsburgh, NY, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Bruce was born on October 26, 1948, in Kentville, Nova Scotia, to Harold and Elsie French. One of four children, he moved with his family to Candia, New Hampshire, in 1955. There, he grew up and attended Manchester Memorial High School.
Bruce graduated from the University of New Hampshire and went on to complete Officer Candidate School, launching a distinguished career as a pilot in the United States Air Force. Bruce flew both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, most notably the C-141 transport plane. He served his country with honor and distinction, earning numerous military decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal and two Air Medals.
Following his first retirement from the Air Force, Bruce and his wife, Marjorie, moved to Prattsburgh, NY, where they began restoring an old farmhouse. He found joy in the beauty of the Finger Lakes region, where he indulged his love for the outdoors—hunting, fishing, and swapping stories over a game of cards. Bruce was also a devoted fan of all Buffalo and Boston sports teams.
In 2001, Bruce returned to active duty, serving an additional four years with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He retired a second time in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of service, and dedication.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Marjorie French; his sister, Suzanne Marmuscak; two brothers, Tom (Diane) French and Mark French; two sons, Nathan (Linda) French and Matthew (Cama) French; and four beloved granddaughters: Courtney, Vivian, Marina, and Amelia French. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Bruce cherished his family above all, and he took great pride in the lives and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on TUESDAY, APRIL15, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. at the Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., AVOCA, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bruce’s memory to huntingwithheroes.org
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Bruce’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Bruce are welcome below at “Share a memory” or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
This is a poem that my Mom remembered from Dad’s time in the Air Force. High Flight
by
John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
Bill Bishop, Steve DeSanto & Hannah Gaines
Nate French
My sincere condolences to Marjorie and Bruce’s family. I have some very fond memories of my time while at uncle Harold’s place during the late 1960’s. Rest In Peace Bruce,🙏🙏Garry & Phyllis,
It is with a heavy heart that I’m writing my condolences to my cousins and their families in the US. My cousin Bruce was 5-6 years older than me, so we didn’t get together like my sister Linda and my cousin Yvonne did… but I saw him lots of times and I thought he was a hero and I really admired him for that …. Rest in peace hero …. My thoughts and prayers are with my family in the US always.
With deepest sympathy on Bruce’s recent passing. My thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time. I have great memories of the vacations our families enjoyed together when the children were small. Bruce always loved a great party and a good game of “growl.” Yvonne French
In memory of my great friend Suzannes brother Bruce
3 trees were planted in memory of
Bruce H. French