Daniel W. French

OLEAN — Daniel W. French, of Olean, stepped into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday (June 18, 2026) at home, at the age of 69.

Born July 30, 1956, in Olean, he was the son of Donald E. and Barbara Ann Lawrence French. On Jan. 14, 1978, he married the love of his life, Anita Hemenway. Together with their three children, they became the “French Five,” a close and deeply connected family.

Dan was a 1974 graduate of Hinsdale Central School and graduated from Alfred Ag & Tech (now Alfred State College) in 1977.

He worked for a period of time for the Olean Tile Plant, The Rehabilitation Center and WGGO radio.

Dan began his career with the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office in 1984 as a corrections officer. He later advanced to sergeant and training coordinator before retiring as captain in 2015. Following retirement, he took on the role of moderator of the Jail’s Houses of Healing rehabilitation program, a position he found both meaningful and rewarding.

Dan had an unmatched ability to strike up a conversation with anyone and bring humor into almost any situation. Outgoing and personable, Dan never met a stranger. Beneath his quick wit was a deeply generous and sentimental heart.

Dan was also a gifted writer and authored published pieces in Parents Magazine and the Upper Room Daily Devotional.

In addition to Anita, the bride of his youth, he leaves behind three children, Justin Donald French of Allegany, Jamie Danielle (Joseph) Coccarelli of Jamestown and Sarah Kathleen (David) Peralta of Wellsville. He was the cherished “Beepa” to Gabriel “Bubby” Germain-Tardieu, Nicolas Germain-Tardieu, Benjamin Germain-Tardieu, Jonah Coccarelli, Valentina Peralta and Sebastian Peralta. He was also the treasured “bro” to his sister, Danae (Walter) Schwatka of Westampton, N.J.; a half-sister, Sandee (Ken) Brown of Eden; and a stepsister, Paula Ursoy of Olean. He leaves behind a loving extended family and many friends who were like family.

To know Danny was to love him.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. today (June 23, 2026) at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday (June 24, 2026) in the funeral home. Pastor Todd Wentworth of Fluvanna Community Church in Jamestown will officiate. Burial will be in Little Valley Rural Cemetery, Little Valley.

Memorials may be made to Crosstown Alliance Church, 1513 Main St., Olean, NY 14760; or to Fluvanna Community Church, 3363 Fluvanna Ave., Jamestown, NY 14701.