Saratoga Springs, NY - Msg (Master Sergeant) Jerry L. French, loving husband, father, grandfather, passed away on Sunday, June 24,2018.

Born April 23, 1947 in Glens Falls, NY, Jerry grew up in Bolton Landing, NY. He married Luzbella R. Vidal in Bangkok, Thailand at the Holy Redeemer Church on August 23, 1970. Moving back to the United States in 1972, he eventually settled down in Saratoga Springs in 1974 where he resided and was a member of The Church of St. Peter for 44 years.

Jerry proudly served in the United States Military for 26 years (3 years with the United States Army and 23 years with the United States Air Force). He was a proud Veteran of two (2) foreign wars : Vietnam (in which he was awarded The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and The Vietnam Campaign Medal) and The Gulf War Operation Desert Storm, in which he was awarded The Operation Desert Storm Service Medal.

As part of his civilian life, Jerry was employed at General Electric as well as the Saratoga Springs City School District. He had many interests in life including classic cars, Western and War movies, gardening, exploring the country side during the autumn season, and the Philippine Cinema. He found most joy while traveling the world, especially the Philippines which he considered to be his second home. Jerry had a love for life and drew a sense of profound satisfaction when surrounded by friends and family and most importantly his grandchildren. No matter what life circumstances brought or what obstacles needed to be overcome, his driving force was to provide for his family as he found solitude in their happiness and wellbeing. As he expressed on multiple occasions, his greatest gift in life is to see his children grow up, get married and to raise a family of their own, a family full of strength and love.

Survivors include his wife Luzbella (Vidal) French; son Russell E. French (wife Heather (West) French, grandchildren Lainey Pearce and Remy Luzbella); daughter Vanessa (French) Robertson (husband Chad Robertson, grandchildren Kendall Alexandria and Jacob Ryan) as well as his brothers Lawrence, Robert, David and sister Lori and their respective families. He is preceded in death by his parents Wallace and Phyllis French.

Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7pm Thursday, June 28, 2018 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9am Friday at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway and burial with military honors will follow at 10:30am at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.

All are invited after to join the family for a reception at the Embassy Suites, 86 Congress St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Church of Saint Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.