Donald “Bear” French, 76 of Endicott, NY, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday April 20, 2026. He was predeceased by his parents, Dalton and Lottie French; his wives, Dody and Glenda French; his son, Joseph French; his grandson, DJ Denny; his brother, Johnnie French; his sisters, Viola VanWorth and Doris Hembree. He is survived by his wife, Liz Pearce; his children, Richard French, Stacy Esparza (Tommy), Lisa Bassett (David), Becky Westfall (Scott); his step-children Angela Chaves and Dino Chaves; his grandchildren, Josie, Joseph, Stormie, Olivia, Justin (Alice), Makenzie, Gianna, Donavonn and Jade; his dear friend, Major Thomas Johnson; his beloved girl, Layla.
He was a veteran of the US Army serving during the Vietnam Era. He worked oil rigs in Oklahoma and California, was a former bodyguard for Stevie Nicks and Keith Carradine as well as a body double for Jack Nicholson. He had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and was a former member of the Hell’s Angels and former President and member of the Nobody’s Motorcycle Club.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday April 28th at 11:00 AM at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM.
