Alfred W. French III ’57

Al died Oct. 19, 2004, of multiple myeloma. He was 69.

Al attended Phillips Exeter Academy, and earned bachelor's degrees in engineering at Princeton and in architecture at MIT. Al joined Tiger Inn, was active in the Glee Club and cheerleading, and roomed with Ted Jones, John Muller, D. Hoxworth, T. McLean, K. Alexander, and J. Osander.

In 1965 Al and his family moved from Cambridge, Mass., to Minneapolis, where he opened an architectural practice and taught architecture at the University of Minnesota. He created the development plans for Minnesota State Capital One and the Minnesota Zoological Gardens, among other projects.

In 1982 he moved to Naples, Fla., opening his own firm designing important buildings including the Von Liefig Art Center and the Wynn Building. In 1993 he led efforts for the revitalization of downtown Naples.

Al believed communities must plan for long-term development that nourishes social character. He was president of the American Institute of Architects Florida Southwest Chapter, co-founder of Southwest Florida Land Preservation Trust, and member of Trinity-By-The-Cove Episcopal Church in Naples. His wide-ranging interests included the arts, fishing, travel, and American history.

He is survived by his children Allison, Caroline, Al IV, and five grandchildren. His wife, Allyn R. French, predeceased him. The class joins in saluting this fine man and in its sympathy to his family.

The Class of 1957