04/26/2026
Our condolences to the family of Samuel H. French who passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Samuel H. French,79, of Ford Cliff passed away on Saturday, April 25,2026 in Armstrong Rehabilitation and Nursing, Kittanning.
Born October 15,1946, he was the son of the late Sam and Elizabeth (Montebell) Murphy.
Sam was a graduate of Kittanning High School and held an Associates degree in mechanics. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Sam worked as a heavy equipment operator prior to his retirement.
He was a member of the former St. Mary Catholic Church in Ford City and was a lifetime member of Ford Cliff Volunteer Firehall, where he was a trustee for over 35 years. He enjoyed watching WWE wrestling, gardening, collected and fixed cars in his younger years, and could be found talking to his buddies often. Friends knew if they needed anything, just ask Sam.
Sam most cherished his family and his wife of just over 57 years Susan (Masters) French.
In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by his only child, Jennifer Sue Varner on June 9,1997.
He is survived by his wife Susan; granddaughters Samantha (Andrew) Fellhauer of Vandergrift and Taylr Varner of Altoona; great-grandchildren Teagan and Emersyn and sister Marilyn.
Per Sam’s wishes, all services private and entrusted to Mantini Funeral Home, Inc., Ford City.
Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Ford City.
In honor of her husband, Susan penned a poem to Sam:
Your life was a blessing
Your memory a treasure
You were loved beyond
words and missed
Beyond measure