Robert F. "Pete" French Sr., 67, of Elyria passed away Friday September 9, 2016 at Geauga Medical Center in Chardon following a long illness. He was born August 6, 1949 in Medina and was a lifelong Lorain County resident. Pete formerly worked as a corrections officer with the Lorain County Sheriff's Department. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and his pets, fishing and traveling. Survivors include his daughters, Kim (Dave) Morgan, Tammy (Denny) Bowles, Cindy Thomas, and Sharon (Stephanie) Steigerley; sons, Rob (Jenna) French and Ken Cawley; 17 grandchildren; the love of his life for 29 years, Shirley French. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dorothy French and a brother, Walter French. The family will receive friends on Saturday September 17, 2016 From 11:00 a.m. until the time of a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria. Burial will be at North Royalton Cemetery, North Royalton, OH. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Friendship Animal Protective League 8303 North Murray Ridge Rd., Elyria. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com