CAMDEN — John R. French Sr., 83, passed away April 12, 2015, with his loving wife and family by his side.

Born Nov. 1, 1931, in Newburyport, Mass., to John F. and Marion (Cashman) French he married Bessie Mae Loundsbury on Oct. 9, 1954, and together they had seven children.

He served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. In the early 1960s they moved to Camden and he served as a lighthouse keeper for Curtis Island. After retiring from the Coast Guard he worked for Eleanor Scott Guckes for 27 years, and then worked with her sons until his retirement.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his sisters, Lorraine and Janet. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Bessie; seven children, John French Jr. and his wife, Julie, James French and his wife, Betsy, Glen French and his wife, Sharon, Joseph French and his wife, Mary Lou, Kevin French, Marion Gilson and her husband, Robert, and Cathy Pine and her husband, Steve; 11 grandchildren, William, Christopher, Marina, Lance, Rebecca, Joseph Jr., Laura, Robert John, Tyler, Alexis and Casey; nine great-grandchildren, Nathan, Zachary, Ryleigh, Norah, Natalie, Victoria, Hunter, Thomas and Cailyn; and his nieces and nephews.

He enjoyed spending time traveling, camping, fishing, watching NASCAR races and being with family and friends. He especially loved his family, and would do anything to be with them or to help in anyway.

There will be a family graveside service later in the summer when all can be together.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Alzheimer's Research at act.alz.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services.