John Cooper French

He was 86 years old. Born on June 25, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to John Price Cooper French and Amelia Stambaugh, John carried with him a lifelong connection to his roots, incredible dedication to his family and a distinguished career.

In his childhood John was a proud attendee of The Germantown Academy. His family later relocated to York, Pennsylvania, where John continued his education and graduated from Central York High School in 1956.

Patriotism and a sense of duty led John to serve his country with honor in the United States Army. He served as an armored personnel carrier operator and was stationed in Germany, contributing to the defense of freedom.

Following his military service, John embarked on a successful career in sales at the Baltimore office of The Standard Register Company. For over four decades, he dedicated himself to the company, specializing in the healthcare industry, where he sold custom printed documents, medical forms, system design and equipment. His commitment and exceptional salesmanship earned him the prestigious "100 Plus Club" award more than a dozen times and he was also inducted into the President’s Circle, the highest distinction within the company. These awards were a testament to his consistent excellence and dedication to his profession and he was a legend in the halls of the local hospitals. John worked until he was 75 years old and finished his career with over 5 cherished years at Webb Mason in Hunt Valley, MD

Beyond his professional life, John held a deep affection for the natural beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. His most treasured place was Long Lake, NY, where he had the fortune of spending many summers of his youth at WatchRock Point. This love for the area continued throughout his life, as he later led over a decade of memorable trips to Camp Hilary in Long Lake with his family and "Gourmet Club" Friends, a special group of families living in Towson, MD. John was able to take one final trip back to Long Lake with his three sons and their families in 2022 and was able to tour his old family camp. He called the trip one of the highlights of his life.

John was preceded in death by his first wife, MaryAnn French (Forker), who was the incredible Mother to their three devoted sons: Jeff French (Gail) of Dallas, Tx., Greg French (Anita) of Lutherville, Md., and Scott French (Linda) Towson, Md. He also leaves behind ten amazing grandchildren, Alison, Carmen, Jason, Tyler, Josh, Kyle, Drew, Callie, Kelli and Bryson, and 1 incredible Great-Grandson Oliver, all of whom he absolutely lived for and adored. John was also preceded in death by his loving spouse, Carolyn “Carrie” French who John adored but lost to Leukemia in 2007, also survived by her loving son, Roger Wistar of Lakeville, Ct.

In his retirement years, John found a new love and true companionship with his loving partner, best friend, and soulmate, Sue Coffman. Both John and Sue had experienced the loss of their loving spouses and found a deep and meaningful connection with each other. They were blessed to share over twelve wonderful years together in Williamsburg, Virginia where John also volunteered at Doctors Hospital as a concierge, and he proudly enjoyed the incredible community of Kingsmill.

John will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his engaging personality, his love for his family and friends, and his appreciation of all things Adirondacks. He always loved a good party and treasured his family gatherings, including the French Family reunion in 1978 at Bull Shoals Lake Arkansas and Christmas Eve with the French’s in Baltimore. John was truly a kid at heart, water-skiing, tubing and riding roller coasters late into his 70’s, and always enjoying the fun things in life. He was an avid sports fan and was very dedicated to keeping in touch with family and friends he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, loyalty, and a life well-lived. All three of his boys are incredibly proud of the Dad and Man that he was.

A Celebration of Life for John French will be held on Sunday May 4, 2025 as he would have loved, in a backyard ceremony at the home of Scott and Linda French, 911 Ellendale Drive, Towson, MD 21286. The celebration will begin at 1pm followed by an outdoor picnic lunch with family and friends. The family would be honored for all those that loved John to attend.

There will be an additional celebration of life in early June in Williamsburg, Va.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John's name to The Long Lake Association, http://www.longlakeassociation.org/ a charity dedicated to preserving the environment of Long Lake or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.LLS.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.

John Cooper French will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His memory will forever be cherished.