Daniel P. French ’66

Dan died Oct. 13, 2023.

A lifelong resident of Piqua, Ohio, he came to Princeton from Exeter. At Princeton, he majored in sociology, served as a cadet colonel in Air Force ROTC, belonged to Charter Club and the Flying Club, and was involved in WPRB operations, including an on-air role as disc jockey “Big Daddy Dan.”

After Princeton, Dan served in the Air Force, including a tour in Vietnam. He retired as a lieutenant colonel after five years of active duty and 23 years in the Air Force Reserve, having earned a chest full of medals and awards.

Dan spent his entire business career with the French Oil Mill Machinery Co., founded by his grandfather, rising to chairman and chief executive officer. He was on the boards of several community organizations, including Piqua Memorial Hospital, the YMCA, and Piqua Community Foundation. The Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce honored him with its highest award, the Order of George.

A loyal Princetonian, Dan served as the Class of ’66 Midwest regional chairman.

He is survived by wife Margaret Loomis French, son Peter, daughter Tayte, five grandchildren, and sister Susan Muirhead. The class extends its heartfelt condolences to them all.