EDDINGTON – LCDR Stanley L. French, USN (ret.), 72, died unexpectedly Ap-ril 23, 2004, at a Bangor hospital. He was born July 22, 1931, in Camden, the son of Stanley C. and Mertie C. (Smith) French. He graduated from Cony High School and entered the U.S. Navy. Stan attended boot camp and service school then was assigned to the USS Hawkins, a destroyer that cruised “‘Round the World.” He worked his way to the top of the enlisted ranks in just 7-1/2 years, and eighteen months later became a commissioned officer. His military career included duty on seven Navy ships for over 22 years at sea. This included service in two wars, Korea, aboard ship and two tours in Vietnam, first aboard ship then in charge of a ship repair facility in the Ming Cong Delta. He received several personal decorations, including the Bronze Star. His career ended with a job offer through the Navy to be the first Dockmaster at Bath Iron Works. This job entailed covering the Portland yard as well. He then retired from the Navy after 28 years to resume the position at BIW for 12 years, finally retiring after 12 years and moving to Eddington. He was a former board member of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, and at the time of his death was an active member of the Penobscot County Conservation Association. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, carpentry and gardening. Surviving are his wife, Carol A. French of Eddington; three children, Michael C. French of Norfolk, Va., Linda L. French of Va., Kenneth C. French of Florida; four grandchildren including two special, Chadwick M. French and Melissa A. French, both of Virginia; two sisters, Sandra A. Dorr of Bowdoinham and Carol A. Ronco of Augusta; five nieces and nephews; two special companions, Toby and Callie. Graveside services with military honors will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2004, at French Cemetery, Lincolnville, and with pastor Lisa Jones, of the Amherst Aurora Community Church officiating. Gifts in his memory may be sent to the Amherst Aurora Community Church, care of Betty Martin, Financial Secretary, HC 31 Box 45-40, Ellsworth, ME 04605. A service of Brookings-Smith, Clark-Piper Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer. <
LCDR STANLEY L. FRENCH, USN (RET.)
