WESTFIELD – It is with great sadness that the family of Earl “Larry” Lafreniere, age 79, shares that he said his final farewell to us on May 15th at MA General Hospital.
Born in Westfield MA, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Lafreniere. He was a graduate of Westfield High school. He received his undergraduate degree in Engineering from Lowell Tech and his Masters from Rensselaer. He served briefly in the Navy. He worked in engineering for various companies over his career. He also invented and founded Ski Jaws, a ski carrying device. He spent the last 10 years of his career at Raytheon where he commuted from his boat, Softtouch, docked in Boston.
But his greatest passion was building and renovation. He was talented and creative. He built his home in Woronoco, fully renovated other condos and homes and his final project is what he deemed the Yacht Club, a special place for grape martinis, in his final home.
Larry also loved music and to dance. He enjoyed occasions that he could dance and celebrate with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren that lovingly called him Big Papa.
Larry was predeceased by his first wife, Carol Lafreniere (LeBlanc) and is survived by their four daughters: Lisa Keating (Michael) of Newport RI, Michelle Lafreniere of Essex CT, Jackie Bentz of Warren Ohio and Jennifer Reilly of Orlando FL.
Larry and Carol raised their family in Woronoco in the home that Larry built.
Larry is also survived by his wife Candy and his stepsons Neal (Gina) and Carl (Molly). Larry met Candy and they married in 2006; they made their home in Westfield MA. They had many sailing adventures on Morning Star and Softtouch, but renovations were always calling Larry back to work.
Larry is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Mickey and Erin Keating, Paige, Alden and Alex Meintzer, Julia and Jack Bentz, Katie, Patrick, Christopher and Matt Reilly, Chloe Liptak and Logan Liptak. Larry is also survived by 3 sisters: Suzanne Pescitelli (Michael) Annette Lobban (Jim) and Valeria Krupa (David) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Larry touched many lives. He was a great husband, father, brother, Big Papa, uncle, cousin and friend. He will be greatly missed.
At Larry’s request there will be no funeral services. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.
Sail on with our love for a life well lived.
