Thomas A. French

Thomas A. French, 70, formerly of Pine Island died on Feb. 24, 2010, at his home with his family at his side.

Born Feb. 24, 1940, in Burlington, Vt., Tom was the son of Harold and Vivian Croto French, now deceased. He was a veteran on the United States Navy. He worked as a painter. He was active in the American Legion, VFW and Moose Lodge in Pine Island, Florida.

On Sept. 5, 1959, Tom married his best friend Edith (Tootsie) Barber. With family and friends, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September 2009.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Harold, William, Rodney and John. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Bradley.

Survivors include wife Edith Barber French of Lincolnton, N.C.; son, Mark French, and wife, Nancy Munn, of Enosburg Falls, Vt.; daughters, Kim French Robtoy, and husband, Steve, of Richmond, Vt., Nicki French Gamble and husband, Dewey, of Lincolnton, N.C.; brothers, Richard and Bruce French in Florida; sisters, Claire Corrigan and Patricia McClain in Vermont; nine grandchildren, Matt, Jessica, Joey, Amber, Bryan and Kelsey in Vermont and Jake, Casey and Kathleen in North Carolina, and several great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring to honor and remember Tom and the love he had for his family and life.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Lincoln County, 107 N. Cedar Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092