Mt. Arlington, Rev. Fr. Walter V French, 86, died on December 20, 2013 at Merry Heart Nursing Home in Succasunna. He was born and raised in Elizabeth, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University and was Ordained from the Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, NJ on May 29, 1965. In 1968 he bought his summer cottage at Lake Rogerine in Mt Arlington. He first served at All Saints R C Church in Jersey City, then at St. Catherine’s R C Church in Hillside, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Elizabeth and retired from Sacred Heart R C Church in Bloomfield. Following his retirement in 1994 he then served as a part time associate at St. Therese R C Church in Succasunna.

He was the son of the late Walter and Mary French and was predeceased by his sister Betty Jane Morris, and brothers; Alan French and Robert French. He is survived by his 2 sister’s; Agnes Claire Bray of North Turner, ME and Mary Alice (and Paul) Giegerich of Warren, and many nieces and nephews.

On Sunday there will be a Reception of The Body at 3 pm at St. Therese R C Church, Main Street, Succasunna, followed by the visitation until 7 pm. The Vigil of the Eucharist will be held at 7 pm celebrated by Bishop Thomas Denato. On Monday the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am by his closest friend Bishop Paul Bootkoski. The interment will follow at the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Newark. The arrangements are by the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com)