Richard E. Lafrance

Mr. Richard Edward LaFrance, 78, of 457 Savoy Road, Cheshire, died Tuesday evening, May 8, 2012, at North Adams Regional Hospital. He was born in Adams on December 6, 1933, a son of the late Leo and Anna (Rudd) LaFrance. He attended Adams schools, and graduated from the former Adams High School in 1952. A longtime local businessman, Mr. LaFrance was the owner and operator of LaFrance, Inc., a dealer of swimming pools and spas, which he founded in Adams in 1963. He moved the business to its current location in Lanesboro in 1973, and was active in the business until his death. Earlier, he had worked at his father's store, Leo's Market in Adams, had operated a fresh vegetable stand, and then operated the former Dick's Auto Sales on Commercial St. in Adams for several years. He was a communicant of the Parish of Blessed John Paul the Great, Adams. He was a longtime member of the Adams Lions Club, and was awarded Lion International's highest honor for service to the community, the Melvin Jones Award, just last year. He was also a corporator of Adams Community Bank. He enjoyed cars, puttering around the house, spending time with his grandchildren, and especially enjoyed the Saturday night family dinners held for many years at his home. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Ilene Kolis, whom he married on July 4, 1956; a son, Keith LaFrance, and his wife, Susan, of Cheshire; 2 daughters, Lori Bracci and her husband, John, of Dalton; and Jill Staffin and her husband, David, of Cheshire; 10 Grandchildren, Ashley, Jared and Tyler LaFrance; Matthew, Jenna, Jonathan and Noah Bracci; and Nathan, Nicholas and Samantha Staffin; a sister, Margaret Rancatti and her husband, Charles, of Adams; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by a grandson, Michael J. Bracci, on June 21, 1997; and by 2 brothers, Donald LaFrance and David LaFrance. The funeral will be held on Saturday, May 12th, at 1:00 PM from the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 2:00 PM in the Parish Church of Blessed John Paul the Great, Adams, celebrated by Rev. Daniel J. Boyle, Pastor. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Parish of Blessed John Paul the Great, or to the Adams Lions Club, through the funeral home. To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.apsfuneralhome.com

Richard E. Lafrance

December 6, 1933 - May 8, 2012