Obituary of Robert French

In the early morning hours of Saturday, 15 July 2023, Robert (Bob) French, passed away at Holmes Regional Medical Center, Melbourne, FL. At the time of his death Bob was 67 years old.

Bob was born to George and Odette French in Casablanca, French Morocco in 1955. At age 3 his family moved to South Patrick Shores, FL and purchased one of the first houses on the street in 1958. Bob attended Sea Park Elementary School, DeLaura Jr. High School, and Satellite High School before attending Brevard Community College and the University of Central Florida later in life where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. With his mother and siblings, he spent summers in France at relatives.

Bob joined the US Marine Corps in 1975 where he excelled in boot camp to become Honor Man of his platoon and was awarded the Leatherneck watch for his high achievement. While touring with the Marines in Okinawa, Bob learned to scuba dive and found his passion for diving. After completing his tour in the USMC, he met his future wife, Betsy. Later, Bob would move to Linkport Florida where he attended and completed the Diver Training Academy (DTA) before working as a commercial diver on several jobs at Port Canaveral and the surrounding area. In October of 1981, Bob joined the US Navy to become a deep-sea diver and a few months later he and Betsy were wed by mail in December before having a formal outdoor wedding in April of 1982. Their son, Hunter, was born in December 1984. With the help of Betsy, Bob completed his First-Class Diver training in Panama City, FL before being stationed in San Diego, CA. After his time in the Navy, Bob and his family moved back to FL where they purchased his childhood home, and he raised his family.

Bob loved adventure! He was a natural athlete, surfing and playing baseball throughout his youth and later in life coaching their son, marathons, and triathlons. When he retired, he loved working on and making improvements to their house and yard, taking their dogs to the park, and following his son’s career.

Bob is preceded in death by his father, George, and his mother, Odette, along with his stepfather, Elphia Hardin, and his sister Margaret. Bob is survived by his wife Betsy, son Hunter and his wife Kristin, grandchildren Lilyahna and Remington, his sister Poucette Luce and husband Robert, his brother Patrick and his wife Alicia, his aunt Colette, and several cousins.

A public memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on August 18th, 2023, at Beach Funeral Home, Indian Harbour Beach. Immediately following a private burial will be held at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Honor of Robert French to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Charity, Inc./Pet Posse , 5100  West Eau Gallie Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32934.