Dr. John French Obituary, Cause of Death – Waterloo Dentist Dies Peacefully at 93
It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. John French announces his passing at the age of 93. He died peacefully at his home on Wednesday morning, July 22, 2026, surrounded by his family and caregivers.
A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 27, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 25 Center Street, Waterloo. A private burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Julie. For guests who wish to greet the family, a Celebration of Life will take place at Woody’s Restaurant (at the Lux Hotel), 2468 NY-414, Waterloo, at 1:00 p.m.
Dr. John was born in Waterloo on August 17, 1932, the son of the late Louis R. and Mary V. (DiPasquale) French. He graduated from Waterloo High School in 1950 and attended Niagara University from 1950–1954. He then continued his education at the University of Buffalo Dental School, graduating in 1958.
Immediately after graduation, Dr. John began practicing dentistry in Waterloo. His first office was above O’Dell’s Drug Store (now Valley Pharmacy), before moving to 128 E. Main Street in 1968, where he practiced for over 50 years. Throughout his long career, he provided compassionate, high-quality dental care to countless patients, boosting their confidence and improving their lives.
In 1958, he married his wife, Virginia “Julie,” and together they raised five children in their home on Virginia Street. Dr. John cherished his family and took great joy in watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, especially as they played sports. He was an avid golfer, a longtime member of the Seneca Falls Country Club, and also dedicated years of service to the Rotary Club and Knights of Columbus.
Dr. John is survived by his children: Lisa French of Buffalo; Dr. Gregory (Nancy) French and their children, Dr. Zachary and Andrew of Syracuse; Jack (Theresa) French and their children, Nicole, Emily, Joeyjohn, and Jacob of Tully; Marylou (David) Giordano and their children, Dominic and Marina of Georgia; and David (Laurie) French and their children, Nick and Adam of Syracuse. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife Julie in 2008, his brother Victor, and sisters Linda (Red) VanGorder and Rosie (Mike) Marcheck.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his dedicated caregivers Lisa, Marty, Debbie, and Joni, as well as Dr. Phillip Wirth and Joe Mull for their care, support, and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made in honor of Dr. John R. French.
🕊️ Dr. John French will be remembered for his devotion to family, his decades of service to the Waterloo community, and his compassionate care as a dentist. May he rest in eternal peace beside his beloved wife.
