Alvin T. French
Founder of Tewksbury Transit Company, Inc.
TEWKSBURY: Alvin T. French, age 87, a lifelong Tewksbury resident and former 20 year Trustee of the Tewksbury Cemetery Corporation, passed away at home with his family at his side, on Sunday, September 20, 2015.
He was the beloved husband of Bernice (Taylor) French, who passed away on September 19, 1999.
Born in Lowell on June 25, 1928, he was the son of the late Jesse J. French and the late Irma A. (Taylor) French.
Mr. French attended Tewksbury schools and graduated from the former Lowell Trade School in 1946.
Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Mr. French served during the Korean War with the 807th Engineering Equipment Company and operated heavy equipment while stationed in Germany. He was awarded the Army Occupation Medal (Germany) and the National Defense Service Medal for his active duty service.
Following his honorable discharge on February 11, 1954, he returned to his home in Tewksbury.
In 1960, Mr. French founded and operated Tewksbury Transit Company, formerly known as Blanchard Charter Service, Inc., where he enjoyed the company of his employees.
He and his late wife were longtime supporters of the Tewksbury Congregational Church.
A farmer at heart, Alvin enjoyed snow removal with his front end loader, cutting and baling hay, plowing and harrowing garden plots for himself and area gardeners, farmers and livestock owners.
He enjoyed family gatherings, playing golf, traveling to Foxwoods Resort & Casino, and spending the winter months in Florida.
Alvin is survived by three children, Ann F. Peabody and her husband James, John T. French and his wife Colleen, and Beth L. Lafortune and her husband Andre “Andy”; six grandchildren, Garrett C. Peabody, Ashley B. MacNeill and her husband Michael, Lindsay A., Andrew T., Cody J., and Benn G. Lafortune; one great granddaughter, Ava K. MacNeill; one brother Donald A. French and his wife Iona; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ann and Leon Randall; dear friend, Barbara Bennett; also many nieces and nephews. Alvin was the brother of the late Gilbert E. French and brother-in-law of the late Esther M. French
Calling hours are Wednesday, September 23rd, from 4-7 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September, 24th, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Tewksbury Congregational Church, 10 East St., Tewksbury, MA 01876.