Roger E. Lafreniere

Roger E. Lafreniere, 84, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 5, at Southbridge Rehab and Healthcare Center.  

His loving wife of 57 years, Lorraine (Leduc) Lafreniere, passed away in 2016.  He leaves two daughters, Suzanne Gillman and her husband, Michael of Shrewsbury, MA and Denise Lafreniere of Southbridge, MA as well as two beloved grandchildren, Katherine Ineson and her husband Andrew, and Stephen Gillman. He was pre-deceased by a baby daughter, Therese.  

Roger was born in Southbridge to Charles and Irene (Dumas) Lafreniere and later lived in Sturbridge. He went to Sacred Heart School, graduated from Wells High School, worked at American Optical, and then joined the Air Force in 1953. He studied jet engine mechanics in Rantoul IL, and served at New Castle Air Force Base in Delaware. He worked for 37 years at Pratt and Whitney in Hartford, CT on jet engine instrumentation test stands and was very proud of his work. He enjoyed the exacting nature of the work and learning new things. Roger was a member of St. John Paul II Parish.

Roger loved the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed walking in the woods and watching the animals. He could identify every bird and imitate many of their calls.  He enjoyed fishing at Quabbin and South Pond, especially with his family. Winter found him ice fishing and he had his children, and then his grandchildren, pull fish out from below the ice. We will miss his deep knowledge of all things in nature.  

He was a loving and supportive husband and father and he will be greatly missed. We will carry him in our hearts always.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 10, from 5 to 7 pm at Sansoucy Funeral Home, 40 Marcy St., Southbridge, MA. The funeral mass will be held Wednesday, April 11, at 10am at Notre Dame Church, 446 Main St., Southbridge. Burial will follow at St. George’s Cemetery, Paige Hill Rd, Southbridge.

Donations in his memory may be made to Mass Audubon.

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