Richard Emerson French

Richard Emerson French, 82, of Keymar, MD died Wednesday April 23rd at home. Born August 11, 1941, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the son of the late Emerson and Beatrice (Bouchard) French. He was the husband of the late Francis Marie Mansfield French, who died in January of 2011. They were married for 47 years.

Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1960 and after basic training, the Marine Corps assigned him to base security at Fort Meade in support of the National Security Agency. Upon his honorable discharge Richard entered his civilian career in in-route sales with Rice’s Bakery, Baltimore and soon became District Sales Manager. He later moved to route sales with the Jewel Tea Company and in 1968 received a Distinguished Franchise Award. In 1990 he became an owner/operator of a Jewel Tea Company General Store where he enjoyed his greatest success, earning campaign and sales awards. He broke company sales records and was twice #1 in U.S. sales. After 43 years in sales, he retired to care for his beloved wife Francis who was battling cancer.

Richard was a long-time and active member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Taneytown, MD. Richard served his church in many capacities, as sacristan, altar server and when called upon assisted with funerals and memorial masses. Richard also provided volunteer services to the Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine located in Emmitsburg, MD. He served as Chaplin for Marine Corps League Detachment 896 for which he received Marine of the Year Honors. Richard also held membership in American Legion Post 120, Taneytown MD and the Catholic War Veterans, Sargent Shriver Post 2016, Westminster, MD.

Richard was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11631 serving as Grand Knight from 2019-2022 prior to the merger with Westminster Council 1393.

Richard also achieved the title of Sir Knight Richard French with Assembly 379. This is the Knights of Columbus Patriotic Degree reminding members of their duty to God and Honor to country. As an Honor Guard member, he participated in patriotic parades, ceremonial laying of wreaths and posting of American flags on national holidays. He participated in Flag retirements, wakes/funerals, visiting and serving wounded Veterans. These activities were a visible reminder of his service to the community and to those who served. He was a true patriot and proud of his accomplishments including his most cherished when he received the Knights of Columbus Sir Knight of the Year Honors, recognizing his work with the wounded at both Walter Reed and Bethesda hospitals and his time spent with Assembly 379 Color Corps participating in casket watches and burials.

In his leisure time Richard enjoyed collecting stamps, watching vintage westerns, especially Gun Smoke, and enjoyed bird watching.

Richard is survived by son, Bradley French of Fairfield, PA; daughter, Christine Lucas and husband Scott of New Oxford, PA; brothers, Walter French and wife Pat of Sevierville, TN, and Raymond French of Tyrone, PA; sister-in-law, Kate French of Gouverneur, NY; grandchildren, Roy Kyle, and Wade Taylor Lucas; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Frances; daughter, Jennifer French, and brother, Francis French predeceased him.

Family and friends will gather at Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, P.A., 136 E Baltimore St., Taneytown, MD 21787, for a Wake Service/Rosary Friday April 26th 5-6 p.m. followed by visitation from 6-8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Richard is scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday April 27th the Mass will be preceded by a eulogy at 12:45 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 44 Frederick Street, Taneytown. Interment will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to, The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Avenue Suite 510, New York, NY 10017, or to the American Cancer Society, 405 Williams Court, Suite 120 Baltimore, MD 21220. Your personal expressions of sympathy to the family may be passed on at: www.myersdurborawfh.com