Man Killed in Roofing Accident Identified

Interim Rye Fire Chief Skip Sullivan confirmed to Patch Wednesday that the roofer who suffered fatal injuries after falling 30 feet off a ladder Monday was David W. French, 58, of Franklin.

French fell around 9:30 a.m. Monday at 71 Liberty Common in Rye, hitting a deck railing before landing on the ground. He later succumbed to his injuries after being transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

French worked for Newfields-based Granite State Home Improvements.

Sullivan said there is no new information available about the incident, which under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Sullivan did say, though, that hospital reports indicate French suffered "some rather severe internal injuries" during his fall.

The following is an obituary posted on several funeral home websites for French:

David W. French, 58, of Franklin, died at Portsmouth Regional Hospital on June 24, 2013.

He was born in Franklin on Sept. 20, 1954 the son of James L. French Sr. and Verna Mae (Paradie) French.

Dave lived in Franklin most of his life and was a graduate of Manchester Memorial High School, Class of 1972. He served in the N.H. National Guard for six years.

A woodsman like his dad, Dave worked at Bill Crowley Logging in Loudon for several years and later for Henniker Hardwood. Recently, Dave was self-employed.

Dave loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, gardener and also loved camping.

Dave served as a mentor to many at Webster House in Franklin.

Dave was a great son, nephew, cousin, grandfather, friend, and exceptional brother. We were all lucky to have had him in our lives and he will be dearly missed.

Family members include 13 brothers and sisters: Jeanne Dukette of Franklin, James French Jr., of Laconia, Sylvia Chmielewicz of Oak Ridge, Tenn., George French, Sr. of Andover, Patricia Derby of Webster, Michael French, Sr., Susan Overlock and Sherry Ames, all of Franklin, Raymond French of Gilford, Kathy Kenneson of Belmont, Deborah Tessier of Northfield, Peggy Arend of Newsfields and Cheryl Davis of Manchester; a grandson: Craig James (CJ) Barnard of Concord; a stepdaughter: Kimmie Barnard of Franklin; and many nieces, nephews, aunt, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, June 27, 2013 from 5 to 8 p.m., at Thibault- Neun Funeral Home, 143 Franklin St., Franklin. Funeral services will be held at the Congregational Christian Church on Friday morning, June 28, 2013 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Franklin Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Dave may be made to the James L. French Sr. Scholarship Fund, c/o Debbie Tessier, Franklin Savings Bank, 387 Central St., Franklin, NH 03235 or to The Webster Place, 27 Holy Cross Rd., Franklin, NH 03235.

For directions and an online guestbook, visit www.neunfuneralhomes.com