Michael J. French

Michael J. French, age 59, a beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on June 3, 2026, in Casselberry, Florida. Born on October 12, 1966, in Waltham, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Jimmy and Jean French also of Waltham. As their one and only son, Michael brought immense joy to his parents' lives—along with the occasional gray hair.

He graduated from the landscaping program at Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School, a passion that would define his professional life. Michael eventually moved to Florida, where he established MJFrench Landscaping and dedicated himself to his business until his passing.

Known for his magnetic personality, Mike had a multitude of friends and was incredibly well-loved, hardworking, and generous. He was a friend of Bill W. Michael was a New England sports fan through and through, forever cheering on the Bruins and the Patriots. Whenever life got hectic or anyone around him started to stress, his immediate, calming response was, “It’s all good.”

An avid lover of the outdoors, Michael could often be found fishing, riding his jet ski or motorcycle, or hitting the slopes whenever possible. Above all, his happiest moments were spent with his son, James. Michael’s life was a true testament to love, laughter, hard work, and dedication.

Michael is survived by his son, James French of Brooklyn, New York; his sister, Pamela French of Waltham, Massachusetts; his sister, Kathy Robbins, and her husband, Larry, of Chesterfield, New

Hampshire, and their children, Kate and Kevin; and his sister, Sandra Ruland of Wayland, Massachusetts, and her children, Cate and William. He also leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful friends.

Family and friends will gather at the Joyce Funeral Home in Waltham MA at 9:00am on Monday, June 22. We will proceed to St. Mary’s church for a funeral Mass at 10:00am, to be followed by interment at the Calvary cemetery.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at the Markham Woods Presbyterian Church in Lake Mary, FL on July 11th from 2 to 5pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Stroke Foundation to support stroke recovery and prevention programs. https://americanstroke.org/