Steven L. French

Steven Lewis French, 85, of Gahanna, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, his 85th birthday. He was born May 24, 1941, in Columbus, Ohio, to Lewis and Virginia (Zane) French.

Steve graduated from Holy Rosary High School in Columbus in 1959, where he played football, basketball and baseball. He continued his football career at John Carroll University, earning a degree in mathematics. He served six years in the Ohio Air National Guard and as a sergeant in the United States Air Force Reserve, stationed in Kunsan, Korea, from 1968 to 1969.

Steve dedicated more than 30 years to teaching high school mathematics. He began his career at Holy Rosary and DeSales High Schools in Columbus before concluding his teaching career at Central Islip High School on Long Island, New York. His passion for athletics extended beyond his participation as a player, as he spent many years coaching football and basketball at DeSales, Holy Rosary and Central Islip High Schools.

Steve had a lifelong love of music and treasured attending concerts with family and friends, enjoying everything from the Rolling Stones to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. He was also known for his fondness for “line” rocks and never passed up an interesting rock or seashell.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sue Owens; his brother, Scott French; his brother-in-law, Rudy Wiesner and his longtime partner, Doreen O’Connor.

He is survived by his son, Matt French; daughter, Cindy (French) Lee; granddaughter, Lula Lee; sister, Sharon Wiesner; and many nieces and nephews.

In honoring Steve’s wishes, there will be no formal service held. We hope you celebrate his life by listening to a favorite song or taking a walk in the woods in search of a special rock.