Rene J. Lafrancois

Berlin

Rene J. Lafrancois of Gendron Street passed away Monday September 12, 2011 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. He was 88.

Born on September 7, 1923 in Berlin, NH, he was the son of Robert and Odila (Goudreau) Lefrancois.

Rene was a lifelong resident of Berlin. In his younger days, he was a boxer, played on local hockey teams as a goalie, and played baseball.

On March 4, 1943, he entered the US Army during WWII. He served in the 15th Infantry and participated in the Rome Arno Rhineland Campaigns. He was awarded several medals including the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged Feb 23, 1946.

Returning from WWII, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps.

On August 7, 1948, he married Elda Catherine Nicoletti of Berlin, they recently celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Rene was employed with Brown Company. He worked in various positions at the mill and retired as a storekeeper from the James River Corporation. He also assisted his brother- in- law at Nicoletti Memorials in Berlin.

He was a communicant of St. Kieran Church now known as St. Anne Church of Good Shepherd Parish in Berlin.

He was a great roller skater. He was a floor manager for several Roller Skating Arenas throughout the Northeast, presiding over games and dances.

He served as a volunteer with community efforts including the American Cancer Society, local food pantries, and the Notre Dame Arena.

He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching all sports. His favorite pastime was attending his grandchildren's sporting events.

Besides his parents, he is pre-deceased by two brothers Paul and Oscar and three sisters Adrienne Dutil, Blanche Begin, and Juliette Tewksbury.

He leaves his loving wife of 63 years Elda (Nicoletti) Lafrancois His son Rene "Bo" Lafrancois and his wife Louise and a daughter Judy Roy and her husband Frank all of Berlin.

Five grandchildren to whom he was affectionately known as "Papa" Becky and Danny Lafrancois, and Katie, Heather, and Jennifer Roy.

Many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am Friday, Sept 16 at St. Anne Church of Good Shepherd Parish in Berlin. Rev. Mark Dollard will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at the St. Kieran's Cemetery in Berlin.

Calling hours will be held from 7-9 pm Thursday, Sept 15 at Fleury-Patry Funeral Home, 72 High St. Berlin, NH. (Use School St entrance).

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Online guestbook at www.fleury-patry.com.