Angelo Barbaria – Piano

Edye Byrde – Drums

Marge Chiurazzi – Harp

Warren L. Covington – Trombone/Conductor

Percy Fagen – Trumpet

Jack French – Piano/Conductor

Diana B. Halprin – Violin

George Koenig – Saxophone

Michael Levine – Drums

Abraham Levitt – Trumpet

Frank A. Martorano – Trombone

Michael Rod – Saxophone

Irving Sussman – Accordion

Joseph J. Virgil – Guitar

William J. Votapka – Saxophone

Jack French

Jack French, 70, a pianist and conductor who had a long career accompanying some notable entertainers, died on Aug. 5. He had been a Local 802 member since 1964.

An accomplished musician, conductor and pianist, Mr. French was highly regarded by his peers. He was the possessor of perfect pitch, with a wide knowledge of songs and their lyrics. “It was a treat to hear Jack sit down and play the piano,” said John Spooner, a close friend, who first worked with Mr. French in 1978. “He had a wonderful technique and was a fine accompanist. His true forte, however, was his ability to conduct an orchestra from the piano while accompanying the finest entertainers in the world. He made it look easy.”

Mr. French worked with Liza Minelli for 11 years, with Anthony Newley for 21 years, with Andy Williams for nine years, with Ben Vereen for five years and was still conducting for Shirley MacLaine, Eddie Arnold and Joel Grey at the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife Peggy and sons Craig and Bryan. His daughter, Cheryl, passed away three years ago.

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