Brooklyn's Progress
October/November 2007

BY KHADIJA BATUTA

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce was saddened to learn that Joseph F. French, a former president of the Chamber, passed away of cancer on Feb. 12 at the age of 81.  

During his tenure as Brooklyn Chamber president, Mr. French focused on the redevelopment of Coney Island and also campaigned heavily in Albany for the development of sports programs in the borough – including baseball – in his role as a charter member of the Brooklyn Sports Foundation.

“Joe was a very strong willed person, but he also had the most pleasant personality,” said Phil Stenger, former chairman of the Brooklyn Chamber.  “Anything he believed in he would go to bat for.  He did an awful lot for the development of Brooklyn.”

Born in Brooklyn on Jul. 14, 1925, Mr. French joined the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 16 and served for three years in the Pacific theater, for which he was awarded five Battle Stars. Upon returning to civilian life, he earned his degrees from Hempstead High School and Hofstra University, which he attended simultaneously. In 1947 he began working for New York Telephone Company (now AT&T) where he became a district manager and met his wife, Doris.  He left the phone company in 1986 as its director of public relations and became the vice president of the New York Chamber of Commerce and Industry, eventually moving on to serve as president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce from 1982 to 1988.

Mr. French remained actively involved in the Brooklyn Chamber for several years after his retirement, attending Chamber events to show his support.

“Joe French was a lifelong friend and supporter of the Brooklyn Chamber,” said Kenneth Adams, president of the Business Council of New York State, Inc. and former Brooklyn Chamber president from 1995 to 2006, who remembers Mr. French as a warm, dedicated person, always willing to offer friendly guidance and advice.

Mr. French was not only active in Brooklyn – he also was a past regent of St. Francis College – but left his mark on Long Island, as well.  Eventually relocating to Long Beach for 30 years and then Island Park for the past seven, he served on the board of trustees of Long Beach Medical Center for 32 years, including as a senior vice president.  Working as a private consultant for a Long Beach office up until two years ago, Mr. French finally retired after a nearly 60-year career.

Mr. French, who did not have any children of his own, is survived by his wife, Doris, his brother Martin, and a host of nieces and nephews.

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of its Board, staff and Members, extends condolences to Mr. French’s family, friends and colleagues.