Fiskdale : Earl David French, 75, passed away on Friday, July 29 ^th , in the UMass Memorial Healthcare – Harrington Hospital, Southbridge, after a sudden illness.

Dave leaves his wife of 53 years, Susan (Milne) French; his son, Marc D. French, and his wife Erin of Sturbridge; his brother, Stephen R. French of Sturbridge; his sister, Maxine Dunn, and her husband Mitchell of Charlton; his father-in-law, George P. Milne of Ludlow; his brother-in-law, John M. Milne of Monson; his half-brother, Tom Beattie of Williamsburg; and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his sister, Cynthia Mason.  He was born in Southbridge the son of the late Earle and Mary L. (Houde) French.

Dave worked for Lauring Construction before retiring several years ago.  While previously working as a welder, an auto mechanic, and an auto body repairman, Dave most enjoyed serving his community through his roles as police officer for the Holland Police Department and an auxiliary police officer for the Southbridge Police Department.

As a devoted car guy, Dave loved to tinker with and rebuild old cars, including '30's Roadsters, '20's Ford Model Ts and his pride, the '67 Corvette.  When not working on his classic cars, he enjoyed going to car shows and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle with friends.

When not spending time with his beloved dogs KK and Sadie, you could often find Dave in the company of his friends at the local coffee shops, talking shop and solving the world's problems. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Calling hours for Dave will be held on Thursday, Aug. 4th, from 5:00 to 7:00pm in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a funeral service in the funeral home at 6:30pm.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Second Chance Animal Shelter, 11 Young Rd., East Brookfield, MA 01506 or online at http://www.secondchanceanimals.org/donate or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or online at https://www.diabetes.org/