Paul J. France
Optometrist

Dr. Paul James France, 85, passed away Feb. 13, 2010, after a lingering illness. Paul was born Jan. 31, 1925, in Tiffin, OH, to the late Bertha and H. Charles France. He graduated in 1942 from Calvert High School. Paul later graduated from the Northern Illinois College of Optometry and practiced optometry in Tiffin for more than 55 years. He was also a World War II veteran, having served in the Naval Armed Services.

Throughout his many years in Tiffin, Paul was a very involved member of the community. He was also active in numerous organizations: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Calvert Booster Club and Alumni Association, The Elks Club, The Knights of Columbus, and The Serra Club to name just a few.

Paul enjoyed boating, bowling, hunting and fishing, traveling, but most of all, people. He lived in Tiffin for 78 years before retiring and relocating to Sun City West, AZ, where he lived for the past few years.

Paul was predeceased by his wife, Mary 'Sandy' (Crawford) France; his sister, Emma France, and his brother, Carole France. Paul is survived by a sister, Joyce Ann France of Williston; and his children: daughter, Jane Barnett and husband, Timothy of Mundelein, IL; daughter, Susan Symington and husband, Richard, of Rocky Hill, CT; son, Gregory France of Phoenix, AZ; and son, Jeffrey France and wife, Melissa of Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by granddaughters: Jessica Barnett, Emily Karry, Carrie Symington, Carly Symington, Sarah France, and Marissa France; and grandsons Alex Barnett, Adam France, and Jackson France, as well as several nieces and nephews.

His funeral Mass will be 10:00am Saturday, February 27, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Calling hours are from 4:00pm to 7:30pm Friday, February 26, 2010, at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH, 44883, 419-447-2424.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue - 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10001.

Letters of condolence may be sent and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com