Obituary of Charles French

Charles F. French, of Truxton, NY, passed away on November 14, 2024. Born on August 19, 1945 in Cortland, NY, he was the son of the late Grant B. and Josephine K. French. Charles graduated from Truxton High School in 1963. He went on to attend college at Syracuse University, graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. During his freshman year, Charles played basketball with the Syracuse Orange. Following graduation, Charles served as a First Lieutenant with the US Army. He served active duty for two years, completing a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal for his meritorious service and achievement. Charles returned to Truxton and began a career in Telecommunications. He was employed in 1970 by New York Telephone and remained with the company through its various acquisitions and name changes until his retirement from Verizon in 2003. Charles was an active member in his community. He was a parishioner of St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Truxton. He was a lifetime member of the Cortland Elks Lodge BPOE 748, as well as, a member of the VFW Tioughnioga Post #2354. Charles played for and managed the Hiawatha softball team. He was an avid golfer and a fifty year member of the Cortland Country Club. Charles remained a loyal fan of San Francisco Giants Baseball and remained faithful to Syracuse University, steadily following and cheering on the Syracuse Orange, as well as, attending five final four basketball tournaments and several bowl games. Charles was extremely generous and giving of his time, energy and organizational skills. He was instrumental in developing the Andy Tei Memorial and Scholarship. He organized and hosted an annual Telephone Company Golf Tournament for his colleagues. He envisioned and created the annual Collins' Cup Invitational Golf Tournament. Charles is survived by his brother, Donald R. French of Truxton; Sister-in-law Shirley French; nieces and nephew, Kathleen (Jeff) Danziger, Colleen (John) Shakshober, Christine Courtney, and Thomas (Sherry) French; great nieces and nephews, cousins and many close long-time friends. In addition to his parents, Charles was predeceased by his brother, John French. Friends are invited to call Thursday, November 21 from 4 – 6 pm at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave. Cortland, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 am Friday, November 22 at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Truxton. Interment will follow in Truxton Rural Cemetery.