Hollis E. French of North Chelmsford, MA

Hollis E. French, a dedicated husband, loving father, accomplished chemist, and cherished member of his community, passed away on May 12, 2024, at Lowell General Hospital. He was 88 years old.

Born in Newton, Massachusetts, Hollis was the son of the late Irwin and Sue French. He spent his formative years in Middlebury, Vermont, where he graduated from Middlebury Union High School with the class of 1954. He attended MIT and Harvard.  Hollis bravely served his country overseas with the United States Army in Germany.

Hollis’s professional journey was marked by remarkable achievements and contributions to the field of chemistry. He worked diligently for ITEK of Lexington, Massachusetts, before retiring from Exxon Solar Corporation in 1984 as a chemist. Throughout his career, Hollis demonstrated exceptional talent, holding 12 patents in the chemistry field, particularly in photovoltaics and polymers.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hollis possessed a passion for woodworking, a skill he applied even in his work with NASA, crafting wood mock-ups for satellites.

He shared 62 years of marriage with his devoted wife Sheila (Walsh) French, and they cherished family vacations in Dennisport, MA. Hollis loved running, and was a top age-group runner into his 60’s and 70’s. He completed several marathons, including qualifying for and completing the Boston Marathon at age 61.

Besides his wife, Hollis is survived by his daughter Patricia French of Somerville, MA, his son Robert French of Nashua, NH and grandson Christopher French of Swanzey, NH. He was predeceased by his brother Robert French.

Funeral Details

A funeral service for Hollis French will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 115 Middlesex Street, North Chelmsford, MA 01863. Burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery, N. Chelmsford, MA. Arrangements by Dolan Funeral Home, 978-251-4041.