Mr. Samuel L. French,of Wakefield, formerly a long time resident of Melrose, died unexpectedly Wednesday evening, May 2, 2007 at his home. He was 83 years old.
Sam was born June 23, 1923 in Wakefield, son of the late Leonard A. French and Beatrice P. V. (Whiteacre) French.
Sam worked for the City of Melrose for 32 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator for the Department of Public Works.After retiring in 1982, he worked as a security guard for New England Life for 6 years. Mr. French attended the First Congregational Church in Melrose. He served as a Private 1st Class in the US Marines during WWII in the 1st Marine Division.Sam attended many reunions of the 1st Marine Division and also the Guadalcanal Association reunions. He was Life Member of the National VFW.
Samuel was the beloved husband of the late Mary F. (Newell) French. Father of Samuel Scott French of Stoneham, James E. French and his wife, Sally of Melrose and the late John "Ricky" French. Dear brother of Anna Davis of Londonderry, NH, Beatrice Walsh of Rochester, NH, Eleanor L. Dulong of Langdon, NH, William R. French of Westville, IL, and the late Charles A. French. Sam is also remembered by many grandchildren including, Tiffany Lee French of Lynn.