Bruce H. French

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.