Darrel "Frenchie" French, 78 of Nichols, NY passed away peacefully at home, after a brief illness, on Feb. 20, 2026, surrounded by his family. Frenchie is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Grace (Struble) French; his two daughters, D'Ann (Chet) West, Tonya (Mark) Farnham, his two granddaughters; Amber (Parker) Stilson, Cheyenne (Max) Robinson-Rosenburger; four great grandchildren, which he cherished, Chad Deming II, Mason McDowell, Tripp, Sutton Stilson; his sister, Joyce (Bob) Walker; his brother, Dane (Janice) French; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was born on Oct. 3, 1947, in Coudersport, PA, the son of the late, Paul and Virginia (Ayers) French. He was predeceased by his grandson, Jaryd Farnham; two sisters, Pauline Gradel, Gail Haus, a brother, Dale French; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Gloria & Gordon Struble; a brother-in-law, Gordy Struble. Frenchie had a great love for his family and the outdoors which included many years of coon hunting, relaxing on the porch, playing cards, shooting a game of pool and maintaining his lawn, in which he took great pride in. Frenchie retired from the Tioga County Highway Department in 2009 after many years of service. The family would like to extend a very special Thank You to Guthrie-Lourdes ICU Floor and to Guthrie-Lourdes Hospice. The family will receive friends Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park Street, Owego, NY. Memorial contributions may be made in Darrel "Frenchie" French's memory to Friends of Hospice, P.O. Box 638, Owego, New York 13827.