WINTER HAVEN, FL – Charles “Bud” LaPlante, of Winter Haven, FL and formerly of Berkley, MA, Westfield, MA, and Russell, MA, died unexpectedly on 
July 11, 2022, at the age of 83.
Born on September 26, 1938, in Chicopee, MA, he was the son of the late Charles and Jeannette (Crochiere) LaPlante. Bud was predeceased by his wife of 38 years, Betsy Lou (Wehrly) LaPlante, and his sister, Joyce Brunelle.
Bud spent his career as a maintenance mechanic, was an expert repairer of corrugated box stitcher machines, and could troubleshoot and fix just about anything mechanical. He served in the US Marine Corps, was an accomplished woodsman, fisherman, and most recently, air boat captain. A good steak, a cold beer, a Chuck Norris action film, and an impeccably stacked, 300-foot-long woodpile gave Bud great satisfaction. And did he ever love old-time country music. Perhaps a bit gruff and demanding at times, Bud was also kind, generous, and always willing to help those who took the time to get to know him. He had a special place in his heart for the many pets his family had and for the wildlife around his home.
Bud is survived by his sister, Jacqueline Thayer of Russell, MA; his daughter Wendy Bicknell and her husband Robert of Andover, MA; his son Paul LaPlante and his wife Christy of Newberry, FL; grandchildren Alexandra, Emily, Jeffrey, Lindsey, Gregory, and Alyssa, and great-grandchildren Sophia and Amelia.
A gathering in his memory was held in his Winter Haven community on July 23, 2022. A graveside service will be held at the Russell Cemetery in Russell, MA at noon on July 30, 2022. Donations in Bud’s memory can be made to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
