Rev. Robert E. French, 79, a retired Catholic priest, died on August 22, 2016.   Fr. French was raised in Ocean View, Norfolk, and in his retirement he resided near Hilton Village in Newport News.

He received his philosophy and theology degrees, and later his Doctorate in Pastoral Ministry, from St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore.   Health reasons forced Fr. French to receive early retirement in 2006.  But even in retirement he regularly served as a substitute priest for weekend liturgies in parishes in the Hampton Roads area.

Fr. French was ordained to the priesthood in 1963 and was completely devoted to his priesthood and his Catholic faith.  He served as associate pastor of St. Bede's in Williamsburg where he envisioned and designed the parish hall.  He was transferred to Northern Virginia, then a part of the Richmond Diocese, and served at St. Luke's Parish in McLean.

Fr. French was named the first director of the diocesan Office of Religious Education and introduced the role of the Minister of Religious Education to the parishes.   His next assignment was to found Ascension Parish in Virginia Beach.  There he constructed the first worship center in the diocese to incorporate rear screen projection behind the altar to illustrate the scriptures and the first multi-level commons area.

Fr. French undertook sabbatical scripture studies in the Holy Land and upon his return was assigned to St. Therese in Chesapeake.  From Chesapeake he moved to Immaculate Conception Parish in Hampton where he served as pastor for fourteen years until his retirement.

In each of his pastoral assignments, Fr. French supported the changes introduced by Vatican Council II and gave special attention to the role of good liturgical celebration, good music, and the responsibility of parishioners to see themselves as church.

Fr. French is survived by his brother Neil Joseph and his wife Judy and their sons David and Neil, and their daughter Suzanne.  He is also survived by another nephew, Robert Osterloh.

The Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church in Hampton at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 by Fr. Sean Prince and assisting priest concelebrants.  Visitation will take place from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Immediately after the liturgy there will be a reception in the church commons.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Food Pantry of Immaculate Conception Parish, 2150 Cunningham Dr., Hampton, VA  23666.

Arrangements are by Berceuse and Cremation Traditions in Hampton, 757-825-8070.