Harry Sylvester “Skip” French III

With full hearts and profound sorrow, we share the passing of Skip. A man whose life was defined by love, service, and strength. He passed on July 27, 2025 surrounded by the loving arms of his wife and best friend.

Skip was born in Sidney, NY to the late Harry S. French Jr “Frenchie” and Janice M. French on July 14, 1960. At a very young age he started working along his father’s side who taught him the family business. In which he later ran and co-partnered with his brother and sister. His beloved French’s Garage LLC. Skip was a man who worked hard and played hard. His hands were calloused from a lifetime of labor - hands that fixed engines, built dreams, and held his family with unwavering care. Whether he was under the hood of a car or helping a neighbor, he did it with quiet generosity and a ready smile. He was a devoted husband; their love was a partnership of laughter, strength, and loyalty. His greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. He taught them by example how to live with integrity, give selflessly, and love deeply.

Skip is survived by his loving wife Hayley L. French or better known as his “goose.”

His children Alicia French, Harry S French IV “Buddy” (Jillian), Sierra French, Elizabeth (Juan) French-Morales.

His grandchildren: Taylor, Braelyn, Bella, Addison “Pook” (his best friend), Harper, Alivia, Lillian, and his sweet honey bee Evangeline.

His siblings: Donna (Terry) Claudio, Timothy French, Tonja (TJ) Turner, Jeff Miller, Frank (Sandra) Smith III, Scott (Hisae) Smith, Heidi Johnson, and Daniel (Shana) Smith, along with his nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Skip is pre-deceased by his mother -in -law Sandy Townsend and his adored nephew Ryan James “Buzzy” Hayes.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.