Joseph James LaFrance Jr. Obituary (1938 - 2016)

Old Town - Joseph James "Joe" LaFrance Jr., 78, passed away at his home with his loving family by his side on September 1, 2016. He was born July 27, 1938, in Hartford, CT, the son of Joseph and Barbara (Desovich) LaFrance Sr. He was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in October 1998 and was never cured. Joseph considered it a blessing as he became closer to God. He fought this battle courageously and was laughing and joking with many visitors up until his passing. He graduated from Chicopee High School, Chicopee, MA, class of 1956, then served in the United States Air Force. He worked in the transportation industry for 42 years before retiring in January 1999 due to health issues. He loved working with his hands, was happiest when he had a project to work on. Enjoyed his daily 15 mile bike ride to and through UMO. Joseph also enjoyed many years out to his camp on Sysladobsis Lake in Lakeville, which he built with his own two hands. Joe missed his wife Jenny of 54 years with her passing. They were inseparable and took many trips together, most notably their cross country trek. After her death, it was nice to have his two daughters, Elaine and Carole, close by. Joseph was predeceased by his wife, Genevieve "Jenny" M. LaFrance, in 2015; infant daughter, Ann; parents; brother, Gary LaFrance; sisters-in-law, Betty LaFrance and Susan Kenney; and brothers-in-law, Francis Nicola and Howard Corbett. He is survived by daughters, Elaine LaFrance and her partner, Keith Jennings, of Old Town and Carole LaFrance of Milford; grandchildren, Heather and Charlotte Lonko of Portland and Nathan Lonko of Milford; brothers, Thomas LaFrance of Chicopee, MA, and Richard LaFrance of Whatley, MA; sister, Barbara Sanford of Holyoke, MA; sister-in-law, Blanche Corbett; brother-in-law, Ralph Nicola of Indian Island; many nieces and nephews. The family wants to thank New Hope Hospice, his RN Karen, and especially Felicia and Lilly who cared for him and always put his dignity first. He had many great conversations with them.