Charles J. French Sr.

04/03/2005

Charles J. French Sr., 78, of 1 Herbert Drive died Sunday at Bay State Hospital in Springfield. He was long involved in area motel and automotive businesses. Born in West Lebanon, N.Y., on Oct. 6, 1926, son of George A. and Agnes E. Roach French, he attended schools in New Lebanon, N.Y. A Navy veteran of World War II, he served as a motor machinist's mate, second class. Mr. French co-owned an auto parts store from 1976 to 2001 and French's Storage Business since 1993 with his son Stephen G. French. He first owned and operated an automotive garage from 1951 to 1964 and was proprietor of the Blue Star Motel from 1956 to 1964, both in West Lebanon. He later owned the Berkshire Spur Motel from 1963 to 1985 and managed the Sunoco Station from 1966 to 1973, both in Canaan, N.Y. He was an avid ballroom dancer. He and his wife, the former Mary Ann Moccio, were married Dec. 11, 1947, in Chatham, N.Y. Besides his wife and his son, of Stockbridge, he leaves another son, Charles J. French Jr. of Old Chatham, N.Y.; a daughter, Donna Lee French Kosky of Moorpark, Calif.; and two grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Services and interment for Charles J. French Sr., who died April 3, 2005, will be private. He also is survived by a sister, Mary Gromacki; two daughters-in-law, Donna R. French and Timothea Neary French; a son-in-law, Andrew Kosky; his grandchildren Jessica Mary French and Dane Victor Kosky, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Alice Smegal, and brothers Leo and George French. Arrangements have been entrusted to FRENCH, GIFFORD, PREITER AND BLASL FUNERAL HOME in Chatham, N.Y.

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