Kenneth L. French

OBITUARY OF

Deacon Kenneth Lavern French

Born Albany, NY – Resided in Colonie, NY.

“A Time to Be Born”

Dea. Kenneth Lavern French was born on May 27, 1940, one of three children born to the late James and Ida French of Albany, New York. He was the father of nine children: six girls, three boys, and a very proud dad, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved his wife and children very much. He departed with peace and grace on March 21, 2025.

“A Time to Live”

Kenneth received his education through the Albany Public Schools, graduating from Philip Schuyler High School. He was employed by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) for over 30 years, retiring in 2007. He was affectionately known by his friends as “Frenchie.”

“A Time to Love”

Kenny met and married Linda Roland in 1995, ceremony performed by her father the late Rev. William Roland. They shared their love with a miniature schnauzer, Mylo. He loved his extended family, his church and cared deeply about others which brought him immense satisfaction.

“A Time to Build”

Kenny was extremely organized, detailed oriented, creative, and excelled at doing things in a timely fashion. He was relentless, very optimistic, and confident. Whenever a new neighbor would move in, he would cut their grass or snow blow their driveway to welcome them to the neighborhood. He always looked forward to the second Saturday’s breakfast club with his Arbor Hill childhood friends.

Kenny was vocally talented and spent his early years performing with a well-known Doo-Wop group, The “Fidelities.” They performed locally, as well as, in the NY/NJ area for many years. His other hobbies include traveling with his wife during the summer, playing his guitar, singing in church choirs, performing at weddings, making fresh sun-brewed mint iced tea, and feeding his dog Oreo cookies. He had a lifelong love affair with blueberry muffins and southern food, especially fried chicken.

"A Time to Plant and Serve"

At an early age Kenny confessed Christ as his personal savior and was baptized. He became a member of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Albany, NY and later united with the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. William Roland. Under Rev. Roland’s leadership, he was ordained as a Deacon in 1990. During his Deaconship, he served in the role as Chairman for approximately two years. As a disciple of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church for over 30 years, he served the congregation in numerous capacities. Since music was a powerful component of his life, God deemed him worthy to sing. Kenny was an active member of the Sr. Choir, Male Voices and played bass guitar for the choirs, including the youth choir. During the worship experience, Kenny had a unique way of setting the atmosphere for worship. He will be remembered for his soul stirring rendition of “I Thank God for the Blood That Made the Difference at Calvary.” A song reminding us of the ultimate sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, a price paid on our behalf, to cover our sins. With spiritual vitality, Kenny would profoundly place dramatic emphases on the verse, “No one, No one but Jesus could have made such a sacrifice for me.” It was the blood that made the difference at Calvary which conveyed the magnificent power that lies in the blood which entitles him to eternal life.

Kenny often attended prayer meetings and participated in all church events. His intent in ministry work was to give God the best of his abilities. He remained a faithful member until his health became challenging and he was no longer able to serve, physically.

Kenny was predeceased in death by his daughter Kim, in 2017, his brother James, Sister-in Law Elnora, and closest friend Dennis.

“A Time to Mourn”

His love, memory, and inspiration will forever be engraved in the hearts of his family. In addition to his wife Linda and son Jamal (Joyce), he is survived by seven other children, Guy, Carmen, Judy, Kelly, La’Taunya, Keith (Adlene) and Kendra (Kevin), his grandchildren Ariana, Jocelyn, Tiannah, Julian, Keiran, Braylon, Arie, Amya, Tyese, DeLorean, Keith Jr. (Hope), Lateef, Maisha, Faizah, Xavier, Jordan his great-grandchildren, brother Glen, nieces Linda (Charles) Sonja, Lynn, and Elizabeth, nephews Randy (Carol), Michael (Ramona), Eugene, Glen Jr., David, sisters-in-law Minnie, Stacey, his brothers-in-law Baryon and Bill, close friends Mr. & Mrs. James Brown, Mr. & Mrs. Earl Thorpe, Dea. & Mrs. Henry Howard, Mr. & Mrs. Carmelo Robinson, the entire Mt. Pleasant Church family, and friends. All were blessed by his many acts of kindness and playful humor. He will be truly missed by his furry best friend Mylo.

A special thanks for Jamal, Ariana, Glenn, La’Taunya, and Kendra for their selfless acts of kindness in his final years of need. Jamal was fully present in all aspects of his father’s life. Kenny enjoyed spending quality time with his faithful and dedicated son who always embraced him unconditionally. They shared a genuine bond and friendship. Another special thanks to Deacon Twiggs for his love and support during his time of need.

“A Time For Peace”

Kenny would like for you all to know that his work on earth is done. He received a call and was given an offer he could not refuse for an appointment to meet on high. He will not be returning, but his presence will remain forever. He is looking forward to seeing “All God’s Children” knowing “What a Time” that will be. For all inquiring minds, his soul has been anchored in the Lord and he will be “Waiting up Yonder” just for you.

A visitation will be held on Saturday March 29th from 10am-11am, with a service at 11am at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 441 Washington Ave Albany. Burial immediately following at Evergreen Memorial Park, 2150 Central Ave, Schenectady, NY